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                  A wonderful blessing of my recent renewal leave was several unplanned, unexpected, deeply meaningful conversations with some of the most important people of my life – Kelly, my children and their spouses, friends, etc. Each of these conversations simply, unexpectedly unfolded during unhurried moments: relaxing on a cruise, over long drives, at long lunches, while rocking my grandbabies, during extended visits with my children’s families, etc. These times were invaluable, deepened our connections, and I’ll always remember and cherish them. Our relationships are better because of them, I’m better because of them, and I’m so thankful!

                  When my children were young, back in the 1990s, we often heard about the importance of “quality” time – planned, intentional, focused activities and conversations – since “quantity” time for active, dual career, busy families were difficult to find. But with time and experience, and too many frustrating attempts at failed “quality time,” most of us came to realize that forcing “quality” time rarely works when everyone’s attentions are scattered, running from one activity or task to another. For the most time, “quality” time is exclusively a fruit of relaxed, unhurried, agenda-free, avaible “quantity” time.

                  Without the pressure of deadlines, watching the clock, a checklist of activities to accomplish, texts and emails to respond to, and always having somewhere else to be and something else to do, relaxed conversational space becomes available to really be with people and really communicate in deeper ways.

                  We often think about Jesus and his disciples ministering to growing crowds of people with every conceivable need, constantly pressing in from every side. But I also sense there were many times when Jesus was alone with his inner circle, walking from one village to another, relaxing as guests in someone’s home, or perhaps gathered around a campfire after the evening meal. Though we remember his Sermon on the Mount and his many parables, I can’t help but wonder if Jesus’ deepest conversations may have happened during long walks or while sharing unhurried meals with his followers.

                  Perhaps this summer you’re spending more time travelling or visiting friends and family. It’s so easy to over-pack those times with too many activities and hurried travel schedules – I know, I’ve done it, too many times. It’s so easy to return from vacation more tired, more exhausted, and needing more time to recover from the travel. But my encouragement to you is to plan less, do less, hurry less, stress less, and simply be with your travel companions wherever you are. See what rich conversations unfold, perhaps when you least expect it, simply because there’s time and space for more genuine sharing.