Being on retreat for the last 8-days have been a wonderful gift given to my by my wife. Thank-you. This has been a time of rest and renewal for me. Never have I taken so much time to simply be with God. To be with Him in prayer and to be with Him in his creation. Hours spent listening for that “still small voice”; then delighting when I heard it. It was these quiet whispers that allowed me to make my retreat.
This was just what my soul had been longing for. It was what I have been desiring. I could quire easily settle in for another 8-days but the world is calling me home. Back to my wife, my job, my own hermitage. I have now been refreshed by God and now the tide is beginning to fall. I can now give back to those I encounter and help them feel God’s presence.
What am I bringing home with me? Delight! Knowing that God delights in me and I can delight in Him and His creation. I am also trying on a new rhythm. I am not quite sure what it will exactly be but it is a work in progress. And then there is the mystery.
Part of what I experience I have no words with which to describe it. I have had this experience once before and it led into an extended time of consolation (Ignatian term for moving towards God) that I cherished. I am anticipating this again. This is the lasting gift of retreat.
I look forward to continue unpacking my retreat in the coming days, week, and months. I think this Unknown Pilgrimage is going to last a while. Blessing to you that have come along my retreat with me. Please reach out with question, comments or if you would like to take a deeper dive into contemplative Christianity.