ALL the moments......
My intention yesterday morning when I wrote my blog was to spend my full retreat day soaking it ALL in.....and I did.....every SINGLE moment......presence ruled the day, and savoring it all......I met our Pastor early for conversation and meditation in a lovely spot in this center.....a few of us chose that, and it was lovely.....then we had breakfast together.....lots of connection, conversation, and laughter......the meals here have been great, and just the absolute treat it is to have a meal that I did not plan for, shop for, cook, or clean up is a great, and an appreciated gift......we then spent some time watching a couple of videos that sparked conversation and more connection.....we were placed in groups that also had purpose......getting to know one another better by questions sparking conversation and some team building games.....after lunch we took a long walk around the grounds learning more of the history here, and seeing some beautiful things, one being the Chapel of the Pines......this sweet little worship place nestled amid the pines.....a few of the retreat goers have a long history with this place as campers and counselors and one of the couples got married here, it was where they met! So learning the history of it all was lovely.....and then more of the same kinds of things after dinner and more provocative, thought provoking conversation around faith.....and what it all means......and loving other people......what would Jesus do kinda energy.......we learned more about a Pastor in LA that pastors to gang members......and his ministry to them was beyond inspiring.....we had touched on him last time I had come, but dug deeper this time......and all of it......every minute was a call to contemplate and to expand and to connect and to restore and feel faraway some from the outside world......spending time with some fine people of our church and learning more about them, seeing them in new ways......feeling safe to be open and share, and having them feel the same.......safe spot to grow......and all of the activities were thoughtfully placed......lovingly planned....and designed to walk us through an experience that left us changed some on the other side......and I think having had this be my second time here I can see the growth in myself, I remember last time feeling a little discomfort at certain points, not being totally sure where I fit, and this time, I felt right at home........my having that experience so often lately.......feeling the comfort of being myself so completely that I get to be here wherever I am:) What a gift.......so this morning I am up a little early.....I slept well both nights surprisingly, being out of my own space....but I am grateful for that too, not bringing fatigue into my day before I head into another busy week:)....and we will worship together this morning here.......and I will step back into my life with my perspective altered again......feeling my spirit spoken to this weekend......and understanding the assignment, my assignment, even more deeply......love is the answer......holding space for other's human condition is the way........using our testimony and story to serve other's is too whenever we are able.....in small ways and big ones.....and I have felt that for SO long in this chapter, but having it validated and confirmed further this weekend was a gift and getting to spend time with these lovely humans was too......it is well with my soul.....and for that I am deeply grateful xoxo Happy Sunday! Enjoy the day! xoxo
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