So that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
1 Corinthians 1:4
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.
So sorry you had to leave! God is so good isn't He? I like the whole post but when you said...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...how good is that!! I am learning that yes, it is a choice to do these things. Your posts always bless me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you today and I pray you are doing better...Chelle
Thank you for your prayer, Chelle. XOXO
DeleteWaiting like a pregnant elephant, I love that, it so aptly describes seasons of my life! And, left with more than I expected, what a God! So glad to hear that God generously supplied for your need, I pray he continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteHe is the supplier of every good thing. :)
DeleteLike Beck, I loved reading your words "waiting like a pregnant elephant." Such a visual for the time between retreats. Praying that you will continue to be refilled even though at times we have to step back and leave feeling still wanting. He always supplies what we need as we need it.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sherrey, you are right. He is so faithful. :)
DeleteShannon, yes we all need Him as our retreat! Sometimes, my retreat is locking the door on the bathroom door. :) He always knows how to fill us back up! -Blessings sister, Amy
ReplyDeleteOh those precious moments alone in the bathroom!
DeleteShannon I have been working on this idea myself, how to re-treat and spend time with God when my life is still in the forefront. I would love to go to a lake or a church re-treat, or a closet, but it's not really practical most of the time. Thanks for reminding me that I can re-treat whenever I need to by just opening myself up to God. Love you!!!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember this too - to take advantage of the ordinary moments of my life and connect with Him! :)
DeleteYou are absolutely right, sometimes life doesn't afford us an opportunity to re-treat, so we have to be reminded that we can start right where we are. A moment of stillness can do wonders when we need to be replenished. I'm so glad that you are feeling full again :-)
ReplyDelete"A moment of stillness" - Love that!
DeleteA wonderful reminder that we can always retreat. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteOh those precious moments of retreat so we can entreat others later. :)
DeleteAlthough it so sad you had to leave... but as many times as life comes between my worship and me (because so often Calley gets sick) ... I have learned to take whatever comforting moments i have by myself to worship . Blessings to you and yours... BTW.. I love your writing.
ReplyDeleteCarla, you are such a sweet encourager. I appreciate your wisdom and insight! XO
DeleteSuch a great post. I was so bummed for you when reading you had to leave, but am so glad you asked and received exactly what you needed. A perfect story. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn. It is so much easier to get what we need when we have sweet friends like you to share the journey with!
DeleteDepleted? Empty? Lacking? Yes, I have... and isn't it so wonderful to know the healer of it all?! Thank you Shannon :)
ReplyDeleteHe has overcome!
DeleteI know that feeling you are talking about. Where you go to get your cup filled, filling your soul, not yearning, feeling complete. The best feeling ever.
ReplyDeleteSorry you were not able to stay at the retreat, may your body heal, so you can have that feeling soon.
Thanks, Regina. It is amazing to realize He can meet with us wherever we are at any time. It's me who needs to pause more often. :)
DeleteShannon, God is taking you through a season for a purpose. When I've had times like these that are so hard, I almost miss them when they're over because of the closeness I feel to the Lord. Thanks for your honesty. I'm needin' a big ole retreat these days! :-)
ReplyDeleteMelanie, you are so right and His purposes are good. Thankful for these hard days that lead me closer to His heart!
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