This was the second three-day retreat where we four lady friends gathered together. Both times it was an intentional, quality period to step away from our normal routines, turn off our phones, and focus on the Lord.
I gathered several contemplative and imaginative reflections focusing on a few stories out of the Gospels. One example was the story of Jesus asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water. We used a guided recording, which put us into the shoes of the Samaritan woman. We were encouraged to feel what it’s like to actually be inside the story - to listen, taste, smell, feel, and watch what happened. We imagined the environment around us, as well as what Jesus’ facial expressions might have been.
Afterwards, we shared what we felt during the reflection. We also discussed a variety of reflective questions, such as - "Where in my life does it seem Jesus has no bucket or rope for my deep problems?" Such probing thoughts can be quite powerful and impacting.
Because we stayed at an Airbnb that was very close to the quite renowned Safari Park Hotel, we went there for lunch one day. It was really special as we reveled in the lovely surroundings, the beautifully landscaped gardens, a lovely waterfall, and a pool.
Linet led us in two sessions on the questions God asks in Scripture. Here are just a few examples: To Adam, after he and Eve had sinned, "Where are you?" After Eve ate from the forbidden fruit, God asked her, "What is this you have done?" To Hagar when she ran away from Abraham's wife Sarah, "Where have you come from and where are you going?" To Elijah when he was hiding in a cave, "What are you doing here?" Jesus asked the woman with the bleeding problem, "Who touched me?" It was quite an interesting study throughout the Bible!
We listened to an encouraging sermon by William Carroll (Times Square Church, New York City), titled "A Word for the Weary". All four of us are involved in ministry, and we found it to be quite impacting.
We also thoroughly enjoyed some fun, funny, and tense games of Jenga!
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