Encouragement
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Retreat. The very word urges me to draw away to a quieter place. Climbing the creaky, timber steps leading up to the cottage, I let my eyes feast upon the surrounding countryside. The wind softly stirs towering gums dotted over the vast mountainous vista. They bow gently and whisper their welcome, “Good to see you again!” I smile and inhale their fresh gum scent. It is good to be back. I have been visiting this isolated property for over four years now and each return feels like I am coming home again.
Familiarity and simple country comforts await as I enter. A much-loved, cushiony lounge, bright banksias arranged in an old, favourite vase and a tiny, tinkling bell, for heralding the prayer hours, sits on an antique duchess. A crisp, blue, cotton tablecloth covers the dining table with morsels to satisfy my hunger: a jug of cool tank water, a plate of homemade biscuits, tea, sugar and fresh milk. Simple pleasures. There is a view from every window offering glimpses of sun-drenched, forested hills. Soft breezes ruffle lace-white curtains. A chorus of currawongs rise in unison outside – could it be an anthem announcing my arrival?! The occasional cow bellows mournfully somewhere in the distance.
And then the Sisters arrive with happy faces glowing. They are the epitome of hospitality. “Is everything fine?” they ask in unison.
“Yes thankyou,” I reply warmly.
“Well then, enjoy a quiet day.” They leave, and I feel blessed.
A quiet day; their words linger. When our spirit is dry, thirsty for refilling; when our head is heavy, world-worn and weary; when our body is tired, crying loudly for rest; it is time to retreat.
We retreat to stop and listen: to close our ears to the noise around us and listen to the voice of God within us. We retreat to settle ourselves and hear His still, quiet gentle voice. To converse with the One whose voice we often listen to last of all. On retreat God’s voice becomes first of all. Now we are listening, attuning ourselves to pay attention. His voice is heard everywhere. He is heard in the silence of our heart, in the gentle breezes, in the flowers dancing amongst the rock gardens, in the Sisters laughter rising on the currents below the cottage, in the cattle calling, in the birds singing. God is in everything, and I am finally still enough, present enough, to notice.
We retreat to become a reservoir. When the supply of love we offer to others has all but become a trickling stream or a gradual drip, it is time to retreat. It is time to sit in silence and dwell deeply with God. To be saturated by His presence, so that His love washes over us again and again and again. On retreat we become immersed in the reservoir of His living water so that we become a reservoir for others again: full of His love, made ready to give His love.
We retreat to rest. At the cottage, there is a shady front verandah with a swing swaying laboriously in the cool afternoon breezes. Without a second thought, I stretch out and drift off. Sweet restful sleep for my body, pleasant grateful thoughts in my mind.
Retreat is a means of honouring our humanity, our limitations, our need to be. We progress well in our spiritual journey only by stopping, by surrendering and offering ourselves to the One greater than ourselves.
Reflective Moments
Have you given yourself the gift of retreating?
How might this discipline enhance your relationship with God?
What are your thoughts on retreating so that you might be a reservoir for others?
How can you weave retreat time into your life?
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