Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding...Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.” Proverbs 3:13, 17
When you hear the word “Retreat” what comes to mind? Flee? Sleep? A weekend away? A week
of serving? Lots of people? Alone? Throughout my faith journey retreats have been all of these. I’ve been on silent retreats and retreats that were filled with sessions and activity from minute one. I’ve spent weeks away on mission trips and done single day simulcasts at home. The thread that weaves them all together is purpose: For me, retreating is an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus – when I step out of the ordinary and focus on Him, He reveals Himself in new ways. I discover who I was created to be. Scripture comes alive. The Holy Spirit is tangible and I come away with a renewed sense of purpose.
My first retreat was summer camp and, at 13 years old, it was there that I first felt the overwhelming love of God and surrendered my life. At a women’s retreat a friend spoke prophetically and reminded me of my call to teach Christ Centered Yoga. In the hills of Nicaragua I discovered joy that bubbled and overflowed despite extreme poverty. In the streets of New York City I found wisdom in conversations with the homeless and disenfranchised. Through all of these, even the silent retreats, I have emerged with deeper relationships with God’s people. Shared experiences bond hearts and lives together!
Earlier this month I spent a long weekend on a retreat with other Christian yoga instructors. I caught my breath and rested in the arms of Jesus. I was reminded that it is the ministry of yoga, not the business of yoga, that is important. I left with new ideas and am actively seeking God as I begin another year sharing His love and healing from the yoga mat.
I find that when I am on a retreat, away from the routine of daily life, I can more fully access the wisdom that God offers me. Proverbs 3:8 tells us that when we find the wisdom of God “This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” As I recommit to Jesus and relax my hold on the things of this world, stress and worry melt away. I feel nourished and revived.
I encourage you to retreat this spring! Maybe it’s with me. Maybe you can attend a conference, or spend a weekend in silence. Whatever it looks like, can you withdraw from the world for a time and focus on seeking out Jesus?
Check out our upcoming retreat this spring!
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