“My bags are packed. I’m ready to go.” Good song lyrics, but no I am not leaving on a jet plane. But I am getting ready for my annual silent retreat. A little later this year but still a valued and precious spiritual practice of mine.
I have been going on a yearly silent retreat since early 2000’s. In the one or two years I didn’t attend, parchedness surrounded my soul and I missed the longer intimacy with Christ. I listen. I be. I write in my journal. I napped. I wait. I become. I unfold. I stretch. I am one.
This morning I sat quietly with the Lord and asked what should I pack? For retreat, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to pack light. I remind myself to pack simply: just the essentials, my Bible, my journal, pretty pens and highlighters. Less stuff the better. Leave behind the books, my computer, the distractions, my fears, the agenda, the “what if’s.” The most important item to pack is an open and willing heart.
I hear the Spirit whisper.
What questions are you asking this year? I reread my journal and make a list of the lingering unknowns that seek some closure and/or clarity.
What words are shimmering in your soul? I gathered words like flowers into the basket of my heart: Delight. Curiosity. Joy. Goodness. Way. Wisdom. Mystery.
Whose voice is calling? I invite Mary Oliver and Julian of Norwich to come along on this retreat.
Then I lay all this before God. God will choose what will take root and grow during our time together.
A retreat is simply a time away with God. A break from routine. Getting out of your normal rut and finding a quiet interlude and place to slow down with God. You create space in your calendar, your surroundings, and in your heart for God.
Jesus frequently took the time for prayer with his father. Jesus models for us this powerful spiritual discipline.
Retreats are a refreshing oasis for our soul. A sanctuary for worship, focus, and rest. The primary reason to go on a retreat is to “let your soul catch up with your body.” What better reason to attend a retreat than to rest, recalibrate and become whole again in the presence of God?
If you are interested in learning more about retreats, I usually write a blog post about them several times a year. Just go to this sidebar on the right, enter “retreat” in the search button and you will find many, hopefully inspiring, posts here about this spiritual practice. I also wrote a book about the practicalities and possibilities in the practice of going on retreat. You can order the book Spiritual Retreats: A Guide to Slowing Down to be with God here.
Do you attend retreats? How does this extended time with God transform you?
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