Once again, a long list of tasks and to-dos waited for me at the end of my Sabbath—slowly trying to steal my joy in the LORD. This week, it took time to purge those tasks from my mind and resist the urge to mentally re-enter work mode before Sabbath had even ended.

This is exactly why Monday’s winddown is so valuable to me. I need that time to settle, to slow down, and to get myself spiritually and emotionally “ready” for Sabbath.

Then comes Tuesday morning’s Solitude—a time that feels like a gentle washing and cleansing. It’s as if I’m pushing out the noise and clutter from my heart and mind, slowly creating space to be still. Only then do I feel ready—not necessarily to ask questions or seek answers—but simply to come before God and say:

“Here I am.”

Not striving. Not performing. Just present. And that is enough.

While I aim for 15 minutes of Solitude, some days—like this week—it takes longer. Twenty-five minutes in, I finally began to feel present and clear. I wouldn’t be surprised if, physically, my heart rate lowered during that time. It’s a settling of the soul.

This reminded me of a concept popularized during the pandemic:  Asynchronous learning—think Zoom or Teams lectures where information is delivered one way, without real-time interaction. It may increase knowledge, but often it ends up being just that: mind filler.

In contrast, Synchronous learning is two-way—dialogue between teacher and student, and interaction among students. I truly believe this kind of relational learning is what transforms the heart. We often describe it as “caught more than taught.”

Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn’t simply give lectures—He walked with people, ate with them, asked questions, and invited conversation. His twelve disciples didn’t just listen; they lived beside Him—and their lives were transformed. From that synchronous relationship, they went on to change the world.

If we are truly to live lives that be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did—for the sake of others, then we must intentionally choose to live synchronous lives—lives of real, relational connection with others.

Transformation doesn’t happen alone. It happens in relationship.

I thank and praise You, LORD, for Your faithful provision.

Thank You that I get to be the church with such amazing, wonderful people—those You have called to be part of Formation Church.

Thank You for the gift of a home with a yard—You knew how much I would cherish that space, and how it would become a sacred place of communion with You.

Thank You for watching over and anointing Joshua, placing him in a place for his personal growth that is deeply meaningful to both Tammi and me.

Thank You for the honor and favor You continue to pour over Tammi, and the ways You are using her life for Your glory.

Without ego, I strive to live every day—seven days a week—in complete surrender to You.

You are faithful. You are good. And I am grateful.