Be Still and Know...Then and Now

Imagine having your meals to this view everyday! There are times when we all need to get away. The women of our church have a retreat each year, the setting changes from time to time but the purpose remains the same. This year we traveled to the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa Georgia .            For me the expectation of retreat is at times even sweeter that the actual experience, if that is possible. The idea of getting away from the busyness of life, getting away for the “whirr” of living with cell phones, laptops, email, electronic gizmo’s, remote control’s, meal planning, calendar checking, bill paying, grocery list making, orthodontist appointments, orchestra concerts, laundry and part time jobs. All of these things are part of life, some of them are necessary, some are instruments intended to make our lives easier yet at time they also overwhelm.           The moment I pull into the parking lot of the retreat center, before even as I pull out of my driveways...

We leave this afternoon for the mountain. The women of our church will gather this weekend for our annual retreat.  The weekend is much anticipated and I look forward to rest, worship, wonderful conversation, meaningful sharing, laughter, fellowship, beautiful surroundings, lifting our voices in song (in my case making a joyful noise, not necessarily a pleasing noise), good food, reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, exploring the Word, hopefully some profound aahh moments, confession, tears, reflection, prayer, teaching and most importantly getting away with the intention of growing closer to God. I plan to unplug from my laptop, my wireless connection and all other forms of technology for the next 48 or so hours. That may require some prayer as well! Myself and all the other women who will gather this evening on the mountain covet your prayers for a powerful weekend of renewal, rejoicing and revelation. Talk to ya'll on Monday, and I can't tell ya how much I need...

I return home from the mountain top feeling both renewed and exhausted. We laughed together and cried together. We talked into the morning hours and we enjoyed wonderful food and table fellowship. We were blown away by God’s creation. The mountains, the blue of the sky. I am still digesting it all. I wait with much anticipation for the unfolding of the experience. For now I have to catch up on my sleep and unpack.

My bag is packed and I am ready to go ( aren ’t those song lyrics?). I wait expectantly for the drive up. I wait for that feeling to take root. The feeling grows stronger with each mile away from home I come one mile closer to the mountain top and I can’t wait. I leave behind menu planning, bill paying, laundry, part time jobs and all the chores that demand my time. It is the time away that regenerates. It is the time away that bring with it new revelations and new pictures of how amazing my God is and I can’t wait. Did I mention I can’t wait? MK 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. MK 6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Thank you Lord for your example of service...