I've had this post in partially completed form for the last month or so. I started it when I was at the retreat I talk about in it. Trying to sum it up in something - a lesson, a question for reflection - something that makes it what I usually post here. But, that is not to be.
I still feel like it's something to share. Maybe there's a lesson in it for you as you read. I'm leaving that to God to prompt what He has and simply sharing what He has placed on my heart to share.
____________________
____________________
Fog obscuring all below. No view of the mountain road taken to get here, or the valley below.
Blue sky with light whispy clouds above. Moments of sunshine bringing warmth.
A quiet sort of peacefulness descended on her as she looked out the window. Something felt different about this place, this time.
Laughter and conversation with unlikely friends around the dinner table. Looking around the table, she was struck by how different they all were, yet they all shared what was most important.
They loved Jesus. They followed Him. They wanted to grow and help others grow in their journey with Christ.
That was what brought them together in this place. It was what had brought them together once a week for almost seven months.
What does this weekend hold?
What is God up to?
A sense of anticipation and wonder.
She'd felt the need for a time like this for a while, but it hadn't seemed to be happening. No matter what she'd tried, nothing seemed to work according to her plans.
But, maybe this was God's timing, His plan for when it should be. Trusting what He desired to do when it was right according to Him.
____________________
Sipping coffee in the morning sun. Looking down on the valley and the lake below. Not a cloud to be seen - just clear, pale blue sky above.
The beginning of a day spent together, yet alone with Jesus.
Worship music playing softly in the background. The only other sound the turning of pages in Bibles, books, journals.
There's something about this place. Really, something about an intentional time away. It just feels easier to put aside the distractions and hear God's voice.
Sharing. Praying together. Reflecting on our day.
____________________
Sunday morning dawns. Another beautiful day.
Breakfast finished. Dishes done. Conversation continues.
This space feels like holy ground as talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company. No agenda. No hurry to get things done.
____________________
A month later, walking into a room of people, looking for familiar faces. It seems such a short time and a long time all at once since our retreat together.
Connecting again. Sharing together.
____________________
____________________
When I started writing these words on the weekend, I had my own thoughts on what the post I was writing would be about. I quickly realized this was going somewhere else.
As I reflect on this now, and try to sum it up, I'm at a loss. I don't have a neat lesson to tie this up with. Or a question to leave you with.
I simply am reminded of how God has plans that we may not even be aware of. Bringing me to this group. Creating the space for this retreat. Making His will happen in the midst of ours, as long as we're actually willing and available.
No comments:
Post a Comment