A little over a week ago I was in Atlanta for Catalyst. It was an amazing time, and God had so much to say to me during the conference. But the reality is that for an introvert and a process-thinker like me, it takes a while to recover from an event like that. Not only was there a 16hr drive each way (I know, you think we’re crazy for driving, but man I love a good road trip!), there were also two intense days of leadership teaching from high energy speakers in the midst of a crowd of 13,000 people.

On the one hand, I love Catalyst and all it has brought into my life in the past two years. On the other hand, once it’s over I just need TIME to recover. That’s how God made me. And I am learning not to fight it, but to embrace it.

I still think the greatest thing Craig Groeschel has ever taught me is that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. So I have been allowing my brain and my body some rest in the past week. Of course, the world keeps turning, and I cannot hit a pause button on the the things happening in my life and the community of faith where I serve. Even still, I would say I am recovered from Catalyst and ready to begin writing about it.

As I sat in the last session of the conference, I made a list on my iPhone notes about blog ideas that came from all I experienced during the conference. So this is my way of telling all of you who take the time to read my blog (what a blessing you are to me!) to get ready to hear a whole lot about Catalyst and the great things I learned there. My hope is that God will use these lessons to touch your heart in beautiful ways.

And now, as I close the book on a long but wonderful day, my prayer is that you may find rest when you need it. That you may be released from the heavy burdens you carry and may truly believe what is said in the Psalms:

It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Palm 127:2 NLT