Tomorrow I'm headed over to the other side of town for a couple of days' retreat. My home church's session has held its annual retreats at this place for the past couple of years, so I know that even though other folks won't be seeking silence, there will be plenty of room for me, indoors and out, to have some space to myself. I'm going to come back over here to meet with my spiritual director during the day, and to spend part of Wednesday evening honoring the two-year anniversary date of the sudden death of Musical Friend's husband, but mostly I'm going to spend my time trying to listen.
It's an experiment of sorts. I'm scheduled for eight days at Eastern Point in June, and I'm a little apprehensive. Last year my attempted eight-day retreat at Guelph collapsed into disaster. It was not quite a year after Josh's death, and the silence was an oppressive weight that plunged me into a terrifying place. I love it there, but the fact that I was taking photographs like the one above speaks volumes. I left several days early, and a palpable sense of relief pervaded my entire body as I drove away.
Baby steps this time.
It's an experiment of sorts. I'm scheduled for eight days at Eastern Point in June, and I'm a little apprehensive. Last year my attempted eight-day retreat at Guelph collapsed into disaster. It was not quite a year after Josh's death, and the silence was an oppressive weight that plunged me into a terrifying place. I love it there, but the fact that I was taking photographs like the one above speaks volumes. I left several days early, and a palpable sense of relief pervaded my entire body as I drove away.
Baby steps this time.
Prayers for your journeys, physical and spiritual.
ReplyDeleteWill be keeping you in my prayers as you make these journeys... and am, once again, grateful for your words. There is such a relief that blooms in me to feel the humility and the wisdom you share.
ReplyDeleteO God, you have called your servant Robin to ventures of which she cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give her faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where she goes, but only that your hand is leading her and your compassion supporting her; though Jesus Christ our Lord. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, adapted)
ReplyDeletePrayers for this time apart.
ReplyDelete