Personal winter retreat number three (I think) in the books! And, let me just say, “WoW!!” My heart is celebrating!
Let me backtrack just a tad…
You see, I had a desire to do a little personal retreat for a long time before I actually ever did it. A few years ago, a really good deal came along and Steve said something along the lines of, “Go and enjoy yourself.” I was hesitant, but I did it, and—no regrets! AND—I’m hooked! [You can read about that first trip on a previous post. I will link it below.]
This year, I made reservations at the same favorite spot for a time period after knowing we should be finished up working at my childhood home place. After the passing of my mom, and my dad about a year and a half prior, we had a lot of work to do to get the house ready for the new owner. So the process of grieving, cleaning out the house, and selling the house where my parents had lived for 48 years of my life was happening…and seemed kind of fast. We saw God’s hand at work in more ways than one, for which we are very thankful; but nonetheless, there was still a lot to process…and do. I will say that I am thankful for the time and ability that I had to work with my family on this unparalleled process. I planned my trip for a little while after, and after having a week at my own home first. The timing was actually perfect.
I had invited Steve along, but he declined. My daughter had just had a trip with her husband and was back to work after break, so it was me and me alone. But, God knew…He knew exactly what I needed.
As I lingered in the lobby for a few minutes after I arrived, I noticed an open Bible. Curious, I walked over to see where it was open, for surely this was intentional. Upon inspection, I had no doubt…the 23rd Psalm. That evening, in my room, I found the Gideon Bible and opened it to Psalms 23 and there it stayed for practically my entire stay. I read it over and over, along with some of the chapters prior. It became one of my themes of the week. (There were two.)
The Shepherd who watches over me with His rod and his staff had led me literally to green pastures and still waters (snow)…and…He was restoring my soul.
Rest ensued.
I had a miscellaneous list of things I wanted to “work on” in this down time, but what took precedence was this theme which unfolded along with the stillness.
The first full (SNOW!) day, I had a bit of an in-room spa day…doing my nails, etc., and watching television. And of course, I watched it snow. [Have I mentioned that I love snow?!!]
The second day, I thought I would start on my list, and to a degree, I did. BUT, what I found that I really wasn’t wanting to do much of anything on my list, nor did I want to watch a lot of tv. I didn’t feel bored or down. I just didn’t have a desire to work on anything particular. I thought, “I just want to look out the window.” That may sound silly or unproductive to many, but it actually turned out to be a great decision. That conscious effort to be still actually became a highlight of the week (and theme number two).
I don’t think we realize how much we are missing when we cram every second with something—anything. The effort put into being still just may be the greatest effort you will put forth, but perhaps with the greatest rewards.
I enjoy being busy doing something; and I have a lot of interests, so it’s not hard to find something to give my attention. However, I have no doubt that God wants to meet us in our stillness…our trust that we can be still and still accomplish our tasks…that we can rest in Him because He led us to still waters.
In that stillness, He restores and teaches. He helped me to see where maybe I get in my own way at times when it comes to becoming the person He created me to be. He allowed me to see where I need to trust Him more. He helped me to realize just how important it is to live thankful.
Making the decision to surrender to the stillness was the best decision I could have made…for He has been exalted…for His names’ sake…
““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!””
Psalm 46:10 ESV
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
First retreat article:
A Writer’s Dream!
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 