Woman's Retreat Reflection

   There was a time in my life where I never went to women’s retreats. From the time I graduated from college until Kate was 1 year old, I never went. Didn’t want to. I paid so little attention at church to these announcements, I don’t even remember saying no. Well…wait. As I write this I am remembering a couple at Calvin Crest that I attended. I went because I love camp…not women’s retreats.

   Anyway, then one time I went. I think it was because it offered me a weekend away from the grind of regular life. And, in case you haven’t learned, I’m quite the extrovert, so I like being with friends. And then I kept going. Every year. Sometimes the speakers were great…and sometimes God worked in my heart through other ways. Perhaps it was a conversation in the car on the way home (its hard to drive and cry!), maybe it was the laughter, or a late night conversation in a room. It may have been during a solitude time when God had me all to himself.

   And that’s why I return each opportunity I have. Our women’s retreat this year offered time for God to speak to each of us in personal ways. God met us in our worship - led by a dear woman who ushered me to God’s holy presence with such tenderness. God spoke through our speaker as she reminded us of the value that lies in our journey with the Lord. We need to talk with Him, rest in Him, explore with Him and throw open the doors and invite others along with us. God whispered to us in our time of solitude, shedding light into deep places of our souls. He was generous with the sunshine, the sound of the waves, the warmth of conversation and smiles. And because God blesses with such extravagance, the food - cooked by gentlemen from our own congregation - was fit for queens. We dined and shared and laughed at each meal until we got kicked out of the dining room, because there was even more to experience.

   Getting away from my normal life, opening myself up to something different…maybe even uncomfortable, and knowing that the team has been faithfully planning the retreat all help me expect that God has something to say to me. Otherwise, He would have said it while I was in the shower at home, or in my car, or laying in bed. God waited until I was separated from all that tugs at me, and I was expectant before HIm. He is faithful and opens the door to those who come knocking.

   In Santa Cruz, there was a large group of us who came knocking. We were so determined to hear from God that traffic (horrendous traffic!), our schedules, our worries, our insecurities could not keep us away. God does something extraordinary when we get out of our ordinary. I hope more of you join us next time. God doesn’t disappoint.

By Dianne Vaccaro

Posted by

Communications

November 18, 2016