1: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable (2) : the process of receding from a position or state attained
2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
I have been going on retreats for more than thirty years. It is one of my favorite things to do. It is one of those things that I can pursue selfishly and return all the better for everyone around me! So, is it selfish? I say no. Let’s look below the surface.
The retreats I have attended were as varied as the number of ones I have gone on, and the outcomes were as diverse. My Emmaus Walk, organized by the UM Church now stands out as a favorite one – I went on that one with an agenda with God, and came back with the answer – and a whole lot more! Des Colores! (See keystoneemmaus@wordpress.com.) I have gone on silent retreats, which I thought would be very easy for me. But, forced silence for days was extremely difficult – but God could actually speak because I was quiet. After awhile, my mind was not racing and cluttered with worldly junk. Though I never loved those, I saw the extreme value in the sacrifice of silence. I have gone to the woods by myself, thankful that some friends let me use their cabin and other friends who let me hibernate in their basement apartment. These have been valued to do complete projects without interruption except direction by the LORD. It has also been of value to get away from the routine and concentrate fully. A few times, I went with grandiose ideas, and just got some much needed rest. I have gone on one-day retreats and weekend ones. Some have been led by others and many led by me. Some I have heard great things from God; others I heard nothing, but was content to sit in His presence, enjoying creation and serenity away from the hustle of the world back home. Some retreats have been full of small group Bible study, morning watches (personal, quiet guided meditation), loud talent shows, crying, laughing, talking and chocolate. Each one was beneficial beyond measure. Each one did not bring the results I was expecting, but most brought the results I needed. From most, I came back refreshed, renewed in spirit, a better wife, mother, employee, and mentor.
CrossPoint has some retreats coming up very soon! Make a commitment to attend by putting a deposit down now (so we can reserve enough rooms). Retreats make great gifts – to someone or yourself (to impact those around you).
MARRIAGE RETREAT, February 11-13, led by Dave and Julie Biser who love this material. Build a Better Marriage, a curriculum by Chip Ingram with Kurt Warner and David Ramsey, about overcoming the obstacles that come up in every marriage. When marriages are healthy and the team works together, families are stronger, churches are stronger, and it does affect society.
Location: Camp Joy-El in Greencastle.
WOMEN’S ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT, March 25-27, Fully Embraced led by our own Karen Hitz, plus Monica Langenberg, and Shari, Baer. (Check out www.fullyembraced.com.) Helping you to fully embrace God’s will for your life and live out your God-created, unique identity is what these ladies have a passion to share. Location: Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillingford.
However, retreats are more than their topics! They are fun, fellowship, and food. They are time together and time apart. They are spiritual food and growth vitamins. Mostly, they are a time to get away from the rush of the world, and take some quality time with God and His Word.
Glory to God. Helen
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