Tomorrow I will be on retreat. It will be a full day away, and my longing heart is hungry—hungry to be unplugged, un-needed and free. Physically, I hope to be outside much of the day. Spiritually, I am longing for a Spirit-led journey into the heart of God. I don’t know what I need, but He does and I can rest in that truth.
Timothy Jones, in his book, A Place for God written in 2000 reminds us that on retreat, we trust that
“the God who leads us on pilgrimage will lead us to the place where we need to be.” (pg. 46)
Jones goes on to write,
“We open ourselves to God and let God be the prime mover…(we go on retreat) out of more than a desire to become less frazzled but also out of a desire to become more aware and alert to God. Deep within is a longing to be met, loved, guided, wherever that might lead.” (pg 47)
I will go empty handed and open hearted. Honesty will reign. Masks will come off. Tears will flow. There will be songs to sing and prayers to pray. Things to think and God to meet. I hope for a blue sky and fluffy clouds. I hope for a breeze to whisper in the leaves.
And I hope to be brave.
There are places I need to go within. Places that will not be easy. Places that demand space and a pace for God to do His tender work.
Militarily, many view “retreat” as a cowardly move. But I have learned that retreat is for the brave, for the courageous ones bent on an adventure like nothing else the world can offer. Feeling brave, but don’t have a day? An hour will do. No doubt about it.
Update
The thyroid surgery went well, the news was great and my recovery has been smooth and uncomplicated. I have learned new things about rest. Can’t wait to share them. A smiley face scar now rests at the bottom of my neck, a testimony to the battle I fought and lost over burning the candle at both ends. Sleep was the last rhythm I learned to embrace (about 2009). Retreat was the first (in 1992). We are all on a journey…
First time here?
Welcome! We’re a group that gathers around the theme, “There has to be a better way.” We’re finding it in the 4-word mission statement, “Run hard. Rest well.”
- It’s a journey into the heart of God. It comes our way through an on-going exploration of four biblical rhythms that revive, replenish and restore: Sabbath Keeping, Sleep (and other simple stress-reducers), Stillness—personal retreat, and Solitude—personal retreat.
- It’s an expedition that challenges us at every turn. It convicts us in deep, tender places. It alters our priorities and plans. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- It’s adventure at its best – as we learn to run the race in a power not our own.
Retreat will be hard. You will face things you don’t want to face. My new byword for me is surrender. JESUS asked us to pray They will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Surrender. He knelt in the Garden facing hard times and cried out “not my will but thine”. That is where I am. Letting go of control, one finger at a time. You will go and find the rest and refreshment He has for you. He knows your needs. He is ever gentle. He loves you desperately and chases after you always. Rest in His love.
You are a blessing. Rest well.