I desperately need my annual spiritual retreat. I shared a post here on Healthy Spirituality in early March about getting ready to go on a silent retreat. I craved the time away with God. With joy, I anticipated the silence. I diligently prepared, prayed, and planned.
Things don’t always turn out like we want or need, do they?
Need I say more than one word: Covid.
Retreat canceled.
Actually, my retreat was one of the first things to be scratched on my filled calendar and came as a shock. Looking back its deletion was the first domino of a string of tumbling that continues to fall.
Creating My Own Retreat
I have retreated at home in the past (see this blog post for some ideas) but getting away to a quiet area offers more depth for me. I am a spiritual director and have several directees creating their own retreats. One in a cabin he owns in a woods. Another at home. They inspire me.
I called the retreat center and found out while they were not hosting formal larger retreats, their hermitage (small KOA type camping, full furnished cabins) were available. My spiritual director who lives near there was willing to meet with me – masked and socially distanced – during my time there. I was set.
As you read this, I leave today and come home Saturday. Once I return, I will be sure to share with you how this adventure unfolded.
New Normal?
I hate the term “new normal.” We are all being changed by this pandemic and stretched to think and do things differently. Instead of continuing to mourn my loss of my retreat, I can be creative and ask God’s help in finding a fresh approach to what my soul needs.
Control what I can control and hold loosely what I can’t control. One of the primary lessons I am learning during Covid.
My soul loves to travel, to feed the wanderlust spark in my life, to see new country and experience an altered routine. I return, refreshed and appreciative of my home.
All our trips for 2020 have of course been canceled. Last week my hubby and I took a one-day jaunt to Frankenmuth Michigan. Then a couple days later we left on a two day overnight to a small village on Lake Michigan. We were careful and delighted to find most others wearing masks and respecting distance. Crowds were small. The beach refreshing. Time away, though different, still fed my soul.
We can’t control most of what happens in life, especially now but with God’s help, a dose of creativity, and some identification of what nourishes life within us, we can find refreshment for what we are missing and thirst for.
How have you creatively filled the void of cancellations during Covid? What gives you life?
So glad you were able to have a modified retreat, as least it was something! We are soul mates in our love for travel! I thrive on seeing new places, new and different food, historical sites and just getting away. It has been hard not having that long hoped for trip to Maine that was planned and then cancelled due to Covid . Have tried to do some fun day trips and it has helped, but still want more, ha. Glad you were able to come our way and visit Frankenmuth! Such a fun place with great food. We are just a little more than an hour from there and enjoy it also. One day I am going to make it over to the western part of our state and go swimming in Lake Michigan. I hear no rocks and white sand! How awesome and nice change from our rocky beaches. Love our blue water though and am happy that I have had time at our local beach. Eager to hear what you will share about the retreat.
we really loved the Lake Michigan beaches. so clean and pleasant. Watched the sun set a couple of times there. My hubby and I just planned another two day get away to Brown County Indiana so have one more mini vacation. At least some fun ahead!!!
If we ever craved a time for spiritual retreat, it’d be right about now, Jean. May God help us to be flexible and creative as we seek more of Him.
He’s only a breath away.
the silence and solitude soothed my soul and I heard my voice and God’s gentle response so well while on retreat. I will write about my experience soon.
How wonderful that you’re getting a retreat after all, on your own terms! I’ll look forward to hearing how it goes. Jeff and I have missed traveling together during this time too. So much has changed. I am taking a short trip next week with 3 of my best friends. We’ve each been isolating more than normal for 2 weeks prior to the trip to ensure the safety of each other.
I will share soon some of my lessons I am learning. Short trips can be powerful too. enjoy!!
Jean……may your soul be refreshed ….and in the quiet …you will hear and see God…
Thank you thank you Pat!!
I’m SO glad you’re going to be able to take a personal retreat, Jean! I pray that the peace and solitude, the quiet communion with our Heavenly Father, and the respite from everyday responsibilities will nourish your soul in glorious ways!
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, Nancy.
Love this idea of planning our own spiritual retreat. Yes, lots of retreats and conferences have been cancelled or postponed. I am thankful for alternative ways to have retreats.
This time we are in calls us to be creative and to think of new ways, doesn’t it?
I’m so sorry that your planned retreat was cancelled, Jean, but it certainly seems like you’ve found some creative ways around it. I do hope your modified retreat will bring you joy and peace. Those are things we all need during these times. Blessings!
I am just finishing my retreat and will share about it in the next few weeks. Different type of retreat with less “community” some advantages and disadvantages but God is still here!