Retreat

Recently I met up with two of my very close friends from university. I feel like we've done so well to keep in contact for the 4 years since we left and it's always just like old times when we see each other (by the way, realise you may be reading this - hello!).

One of these friends went to Austrailia and New Zealand for a couple of months this year, taking unpaid leave in order to do some travelling. When she was telling us about it I felt so challenged by how she viewed her time away and what she really valued from her trip. She made it clear that one of the main reasons she went, was to spend time with God and to get to know him better. She described the trip as 'life-changing' and some of the things He had spoken to her about. One of these (I hope you don't mind me putting on here!) was that she felt called to set up a Christian retreat at some point in her life. This would work like a home where people can stay for the purpose of spending time with God and enjoying good hospitality whilst having space to pray and read the Bible.

My friend has really challenged me about this idea of 'retreat'. I don't know many close friends who have gone on 'reatreats' or even just on holiday with the purpose of spending time with God. But the more I think about it, the more Biblical it seems! Jesus spent time in the desert listening to God and being away from all other distractions before beginning his ministry in earnest. I'm not talking about becoming a monk/nun, shut away from the world which I personally don't see as a Biblical way of living. Just a short time to reconnect and show your commitment to your relationship with God. I certainly have never approached a holiday with the same attitude as my friend and I really respect and admire her way of thinking.

I have talked to J about all of this and my desire to have a day or even just a morning of 'retreat' before the baby arrives and demands all my time. My idea is to take a day trip to one of my favourite places, just me and my Bible, whilst he looks after Chloe. I am really looking forward to this special time with God which feels so badly needed!