Today, I checked in for my first silent retreat. I had considered attending the two years past, but there was something that interfered (or perhaps a good excuse) and prevented following through. This time, I opted to join the retreat mid-week. Let’s just say I was thinking it might be best to dip my toes in for a few days rather than dive in for the full week. Just in case …
I don’t know what I was worrying about. Within a few short hours I have realized that this was exactly what my heart and soul needs. I have graduated, my Lord and God, from the quick weekend group retreat, or the couple of hours spent in ‘retreat mode’. I want my alone time with you. Complete. Entire. Days on end. This is perfect. There will be no hesitation in the future. I will run to you. Cling to you. I can’t wait.
O God you are my God – it is you I seek! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, in a land parched, lifeless, and without water. I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory. For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you! — Psalm 63: 2-4
3 Comments
Gerry Baldonieri g
Hello again Mary 6 years ago I attended my first silent retreat at St. Paul’s. 2 months before that I attended my first weekend retreat there. I knew after that I needed the quiet I found in that weekend amongst the talks and workshops. There’s nothing like spending time listening to God’s still small voice in the peaceful surroundings there. I look forward to going back every year. I hope to make it a whole week again next year but who knows what God has planned for me. I also look forward to your next workshop in March.
MMFrench
Hi Gerry! I am going to try to make it for the whole week this next time around. Say a prayer that it will work out for me. I still can’t get over how fruitful those few days were. I hope to see you in the spring, you never know how the workshop scheduling will turn out.
Gerry Baldonieri
Hi Mary I made it to the weekend retreat in March but was sad to see that you couldn’t make it. I was really saddened when they had to cancel the silent retreat. Hopefully by next spring this will all be passed. I can’t wait to get back to St. Paul’s.