For the past few summers, when I go to Colorado - I have made a retreat day part of my time there. And, I've shared about those days here - but as I was thinking about it this year, I wanted to pursue the idea of why have a retreat day and maybe a few ideas on how to make it happen.
First, the why. Why retreat? {These are just my thoughts, add your own?}
* Being
still.
This year on my retreat, I probably spent the first hour doing nothing but just being still. I shared this the other day - but I didn't really think about anything or do anything other than just sit. I was outside and enjoying God's Creation and listening to small sounds that are usually overcrowded with noise to hear. I am reminded of these thoughts on
being still.
Psalm 46:10,
"Be still and know that I am God."
* We are
invited.
By example, Jesus invites us to get away and alone and spend time with our Heavenly Father. No this isn't saved for a once-a-year-retreat! But, it is the perfect model for us of leaving the noise and moving ourselves to a "solitary" place to be with Him.
Mark 1:35,
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
* It is
refreshing.
I know we aren't all wired the same, but isn't time to just sit quietly rejuvenating even if it is only once in a while? Our lives are so noisy and busy. Time to just think is precious and rare. I love the picture of the water fountain above when I think of this idea of refreshing. Quiet and stillness are refreshing and life giving. The Sabbath itself was established for rest
and refreshment.
Exodus 31:17,
"It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."
* It is a great way to
re-focus.
I can get tunnel vision sometimes. I'm too close to a situation or too immersed in it that stepping back and widening my view can be very helpful and bring some great perspective. Summer has been a great time for me to have these retreat days because with a new school year starting, it is a good time to evaluate many things.
2 Corinthians 5:7,
"For we live by faith, not by sight."
How do you make a retreat day a reality?
* Make it a
priority.
If it is important to you to make it happen, you will make it a priority! Schedule a day, put it on your calendar and look forward to it! Jot down ideas or thoughts that continue to surface in your mind and heart and plan to spend time pursuing those thoughts more and seeking God's Word for insight into these areas.
*
Plan for your family.
Obviously this will only be a success if you have adequate care for your family! My personal opinion is that this retreat is such a blessing to my own heart that it is a blessing to my family as well. Arrange child care, make plans for what they will eat while you are away, think ahead for dinner when you get home. Spending your time away worrying about what your family is doing or what you will serve for dinner when you return will not be of any benefit! Do all that you can to see to these things ahead of time.
* Plan for
your retreat.
Not only do you need to have your family cared for, but I have found it helpful to do some planning for my retreat as well. As I mentioned above, I jot down words or thoughts that are consistent in my thinking near the time of the retreat. Or, if I have any specific things I am wanting to process, pray about or implement in our home - I might write these thoughts down as well.
Before I go, I usually take one-three words or thoughts and look them up in the Bible or a concordance. I will write down the references of passages that mention that word or idea - I don't look them up yet, just make a quick list of places to start when I get to my retreat. Sometimes one of those thoughts emerges higher than the others or sometimes a whole new passage comes to light - but it is a place to start.
If I don't have some kind of place to start, I think it puts pressure on myself to have a great spiritually invigorating day that I have done no planning for. It is not a recipe for success.
Think ahead about what you will eat - do you need to bring lunch or can you find a nice lunch spot to enjoy? If you are planning to be outside, is there a back up for bad weather?
* Be
flexible.
I sort of over-plan. I have my list of passages I want to look up
and thoughts I want to study. I also bring a journal, my Bible of
course and even one or two books to just read. This way, I can sort of
go with what works for me that day - and be flexible with myself.
Two years in a row now, it has rained in the afternoon on my retreat day - one time I found a spot inside and this year under a covered bench. If I decide I want to go for a walk - I do! I allow myself not to be rigid about a specific schedule but to go with what feels right and refreshing.
I readily admit that my retreat days are spent in ideal circumstances. My Dad watches my children, my Mom plans dinner, I have lunch out with a friend typically on my retreat day and I have an amazing place to go.
But, I hope you will be encouraged to consider the idea of how to make this a reality where you are as well. Find a park or garden where you feel at peace and will be undisturbed. How about a friends home who is on vacation or even in their back yard? A church prayer room or prayer garden would be a great place too. Ask God to help you if this is a desire in your heart.
What are your thoughts and experiences on having a retreat day?