With Open Hands

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I received a copy of Henri Nouwen’s “With Open Hands.” Until that point, I’d read plenty of daily devotionals for Christian youth. I’d regularly shared all my teen-aged angst with God. I’d felt God’s presence during sticky, mosquito-filled Bible study at youth camp. I knew the Lord’s Prayer and Doxology. I’d won enough Bible drills that I could quote all kinds of scripture. I knew all about asking for God’s guidance and then advising God on what that guidance should be. What I did not know was how to be still with God. In fact, I would not have considered stillness as prayer – prayer was a speech by me to God. Prayer was certainty. Prayer was a white-knuckled grip on something I could not even name. Prayer was just something to get through with gritted teeth.

But, then…I read “With Open Hands.” I read about prayer as an opening to God – not just an offering of my words and situation but also a mysterious receiving. For instance, when Well of Mercy opened after COVID, things were different. Instead of engaging in witty repartee and laughter before dinner, we masked up and stood six feet apart.Then it happened. Instead of holding hands for our blessing, we held up our open hands – offering ourselves to God and affirming our faith that even during a pandemic, God is as close as our breath.The Spirit is ready to be received when we are ready to do the receiving.

So, as I continue on in my new role as Executive Director, I do so with open hands. I open my hands as an offering to this ministry of any skills, talents or even quirks that might be useful. I open my hands and offer my best intentions as I take on tasks I do not fully understand. I open my hands and offer myself. In the prayerful words of St. Ignatius, “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will." With open hands.

But, wait, there’s more!

I also open my hands to receive what God might pour into them.Isn’t that what happens at this sacred place called Well of Mercy? We open our hands and offer our best and our worst, our fatigue and our energy, our anxiety and our calm, our certainty and our sacred longing. And, we open our hands to receive the quiet and presence that are there for the taking. We find that God’s love never runs low. God’s love never gives us the cold shoulder. And, God’s love never turns us away.  We are all welcome to go to God with open hands, and the Spirit will arrive in the offering and the receiving.

That’s the theme as we continue in this time of transition – with open hands. May our white knuckles relax as we step into what comes next with open hands - encouraged that our creator’s hands are always hands we can trust.

Lea Slaton

Executive Director

~ MARCH ~

~ APRIL ~

~ Further Offerings ~

~ Sold Out Retreat? Wait List Available ~

 Relax & Ease into Sacred Time for Rest & Healing

April 2-4, 2025

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Earth's Awakening: First Signs of Spring at Well of Mercy

At Well of Mercy, winter’s grip slowly loosens as the Earth gently stretches towards spring. Softened by recent rains, the soil cradles tender green shoots that emerge like whispered secrets of rebirth. While the landscape awakens, a delicate transformation unfolds as subtle hints of life breaking through the frost and the gentle murmur of nature’s revival fill the air with quiet anticipation.

Among the earliest heralds of this seasonal shift are the daffodils, their vibrant golden petals unfurling towards the emerging light. Traditionally seen as symbols of hope and renewal, these blossoms remind us that beauty always follows even the harshest of winters. Their radiant glow not only signals a return to warmth but also invites us to embrace new beginnings with an open heart.

Throughout the day, the scenery at Well of Mercy transforms seamlessly. The soft melody of morning birdsong intertwines with the gentle caress of an early spring breeze, crafting a harmonious backdrop that reflects the quiet emergence of spring. Each unfolding moment serving as an invitation to pause and reflect on the quiet miracles of nature—an affirmation of life’s gentle embrace and the perpetual promise of renewal.

In this intimate dance between Earth and Spirit, the first signs of spring encourage us to trust in the natural rhythms of life. Amid the tender blooms and the stretching Earth, we are gently reminded of the enduring promise of renewal—a timeless invitation to celebrate the beauty of new beginnings. 

Jordan Marvin

Landscape Coordinator

The Heart of Giving: Love in Action

At Well of Mercy, we believe that generosity is a reflection of love in its purest form. While Valentine's Day may be behind us, the essence of love continues to live on in how we give and care for one another.

Through donations, countless lives are touched with peace, comfort, and a renewed sense of hope. Each gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that Well of Mercy remains a sanctuary for those seeking rest and healing.

Generosity is a daily commitment—one that goes beyond any specific day or occasion. It’s woven into the quiet acts of kindness, the ongoing support for something greater than ourselves, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe space for restoration.

We are deeply grateful to all who have given and continue to give. Your generosity is transforming lives. If Well of Mercy has made a difference in your life, we invite you to join us in this mission. Together, we are Well of Mercy—offering love through every act of giving.



Well of Mercy's Core Values



Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, grounded in the spirit of hospitality, provides quiet sanctuary and time in nature for reflection, rest and renewal for those choosing sacred time apart, enriching their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.