november 27th – inside/out

Good Afternoon Mrs.,

Busy, busy morning.  We woke up to the Deps telling us that everyone “will be” going outside for Rec.  In translation that means “Everyone’s cells will be searched while you are outside.”  When we got back inside the cells looked “tossed,” but ours fared pretty well.  Probably because Jonathan and I try to follow the rules as closely as possible.  As we were putting things back in order they called for lunch.  And then immediately following lunch, Jim showed up.  While I was meeting with Jim, Bob showed up.  So here I am, midafternoon and trying to get your letter out.

Brief meeting with Jim, but good.  It is always good to see him.  We talked again about the importance of times of renewal.  He laughed about the similarity of the feelings that I have had and that of ministers.  I think our two personalities are close to the same.  He talked about the differences of the introvert/extrovert that he liked.  He said introvert doesn’t mean that you don’t like to be around people, it just means that once you leave from them you feel a little drained.  Whereas an extrovert gets energy from being with people.  We agreed that he and I are introverts.  That is why periods of renewal are so important.  Times alone with God for Him to reveal Himself to us and rejuvenate us.  Did I communicate that right, does it make sense?  Yesterday’s visit with John centered around the same topic.  Making sure that we have times of renewal and not just times of escape.  That is where I had been falling short.  I was feeling burned out and knew I was needing time for myself, but I was pulling back from the amount of socializing thinking the “me time” would help out.  I know now that I was escaping without the renewal part.  Then the other day I was in the cell all by myself and I laid down to take a nap.  After the nap I sat in my bunk and read the Bible.  Those 2 things, along with the time alone, gave me the renewal I had been praying about.  It was awesome and it was what I needed.  I was then ready and anxious to get back to doing His work, to being used by Him.

I’m going to see if I can get this in today’s mail.  I’ll call you in a little bit and write you more later.  I love being able to share my thoughts and experiences with you.  We are really getting to know each other on a different level.  It’s cool.  But it would still be better to do it in person.  I look forward to the long walks and talks that we will have.  Soon my love.

I love you, Scott

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