Winter Retreat – Indeed!
Read:
Hebrews 10:24-25
I
decided on Friday night of the Winter Retreat 2014 to write an entry
for the Lenten Book. It was then that the many conversations I had
with my Mom since childhood came back to me.
My
Mom always said that Sunday school, sermons, Bible studies, and
mission were all important, but what she really cherished and found
to be most important about our involvement with the church was the
fellowship. To form friendships with people who were family, who
loved and cared for us just as we loved and cared for them.
It
started Friday night, as I watched my family enjoy being together and
with others; completely comfortable in the environment. How amazing
to have Drew and Anna come and give each one of us a hug
goodnight…even when they didn’t really know Megan or Rebecca;
they also were comfortable in this environment. That was just the
start of this great weekend.
For
those who have gone before, you know that it is a weekend of sharing
meals, sharing stories, sharing memories of years before. Most of
all, it is a weekend of laughs and being together. Getting to know
each other better; it is amazing that we can always learn something
new about each other.
For
me, it was a weekend of retreat. I was usually one of the first up
(someone had to make the coffee!) and I enjoy this time; quiet time.
Watching the sun come up through the trees outside…snow covering
the ground and trees. Slowly, one by one, everyone came out of the
bedrooms and filled the center room as we waited for breakfast…one
big family coming together to share a meal. I loved the fact that
when the dishes are cleared after each meal, conversations continue;
again sharing our lives with each other, our concerns for our
congregation and certainly the joys of our congregation. This is not
a formal, guided time, just conversations. I was thrilled when a
spontaneous hymn sing started after our church service on Sunday of
course followed by cards, and sledding and more conversations.
It
was a wonderful reminder of the church that I grew up in. That one
thing so cherished by my Mom; finding a big family of people we love
and care for…and who love and care for us. We don’t always have
to go on retreat to find this…it is
around
us all the time. What we get on Sunday morning should take us through
the week until we are together again. I cherish this church and hope
everyone feels the same about this family of ours. That we all can
find people to care for and who care for us. (If you don’t feel
it…sign up for the Winter Retreat some year and experience our
family for yourself!)
Dear
God, thank you for bringing us together as a family. Children of God
to care for each other and to watch over each other as we worship you
and go out into the world sharing Your love as we go.
Laurie
Stowell
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