Re-Treat

So that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

1 Corinthians 1:4

Time away. No kids. A chance to pause and connect with God. A church women's retreat has a multitude of reasons to sign up. My church only hosts one every other year so like a pregnant elephant I wait 24 months in between.

I needed this one. My home life and health would not cooperate. I left the retreat after only a few hours. I retreated from my retreat.

I went wanting to get filled up so I had more to pour out.


I left wanting.


No one else could supply what I lacked. I went to the Source. I poured myself at His feet. I prayed. I pleaded for more of Him. Without Him filling me up I wasn't sure I could continue.

Have you ever felt that way? Depleted. Empty. Lacking.

I'm so thankful when again I feel full. This time though I left with more than I expected. In the whispers of moments between God and I, I felt His urge to re-treat - to give away to others what He'd given me.

A retreat isn't always a planned event. It doesn't always happen by the serenity of a lake. I can retreat with God while children and duties call my name. I can get away with God while the busyness of life threatens. I can pause amid the chaos of life. I can choose to meet with Him - to let Him fill me up. Then when I am full, I can re-treat to others.