Miles In Missions

I woke up this morning with a nudge from God. Something I’ve been searching for—trying to find in studies, groups, and even in my work—became crystal clear: it’s time to go back to the basics.

I started asking myself, what did I do during my time in Nigeria that I’m not doing now? What practices helped me feel so connected to God back then? And why did I stop?

In Nigeria, my mornings were sacred. I used to spend one to one and a half hours with God. I’d light a candle, think, and sip my coffee with my dogs by my side. No rush, no pressure—just time to sit and be. I’d listen to worship songs, sometimes singing, sometimes just letting the words wash over me. I’d journal—pouring out my thoughts, my hopes, and even my worries. I also had a prayer journal, something I’d started after reading “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson. I think it’s time to revisit that again….

It wasn’t complicated in Nigeria. But here, I’ve been too busy looking for Him, too busy searching everywhere else, when all I need to do is what I did back then, sit and be.

In Nigeria, we didn’t have all the options like we do here in the States. There weren’t tons of Bible study groups to choose from, and you couldn’t get the next study in print delivered to your door in a few days. There were no constant distractions of more and more resources, pulling me in different directions. I just sat with Him. And that was enough.

So why have I complicated it here? As we get older, do we make things harder than they need to be? Is it because we feel like we’ve “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” and now we’re constantly chasing the next thing to fill us up? Maybe, instead, it’s about repeating what worked before. Going back to those favorite scripture verses, books and studies that once spoke to me and seeing what they have to say in this season of my life.

Maybe it’s not about constantly seeking something new. Maybe what restored my soul 10 years ago can restore it now too. It’ll just look different.

So here I am—committing to go back to the basics. To repeat what once worked. To stop searching and simply be with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). For those of you who know me…..this isn’t easy. HAHA! Pray for me!