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The retreat in everyday life has begun! Please pray for this year’s retreatants:
Alyne, Chirara, David, Nate, Clare, Dick, Jerry, Jane, Lauren, Tony, Katherine, Paul, Moe, Lisa, Joanne, Marian, Frank, Terry, Rob, Janice, Maureen, Michael, Ramsey, Madeleine.
At the start, retreatants are asked to reflect on
“What brought you to this experience?
What are you hoping for from the journey?”
Whether or not you are on the retreat, these are questions worth asking on a regular basis because the spiritual journey continues. Life and circumstances change, and our needs and desires may change over time!
One of my biggest struggles with the exercises was the instruction to “ask for what you desire.” It seemed a little bit greedy and worldly, even though we are asking for spiritual things rather than earthly things. But also, desires in the spiritual world are sometimes hard to put into words.
In life right now, I’ve been brought to where I am not under my own power but by a health crisis and chronic disease. It’s not where I would have chosen to be, but it’s where I am. And it’s worth pondering that unexpected journey. The lack of control (future and past) reminds me to stay in the present and to take things one day at a time.
The needs for healing and restored health stand out, but some other needs and desires have been popping up to surprise me. On a recent visit to my son and his family, my baby granddaughter fell asleep on my chest, her head tucked under my chin, her arms holding me in a big hug. It was such a beautiful moment, I was in tears. I savored her peaceful presence in my arms, a moment so full of love and trust. And I thought…I see God in this, and I want this level of trust to be what I have in God. I need that during this difficult time in my life. And I want to rest in God’s love.
Peace to you on the journey!
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