So many big holidays are right around the corner. It is easy to get caught up in the bustle and hustle that we exhaust ourselves. We over commit, we want everything to be just right for the perfect holiday, or we become a soul that no one really wants to be around! This is your year to go on a retreat. And not the kind where you haul all the food, make all the travel arrangements, shuffle all the gifts to get there, or pull together all the matching sweaters. This retreat is about you and your pace of living.  It is the retreat where you bring yourself to rest with God. You don’t have to prepare food, you don’t have to buy gifts, and you don’t have to decorate. God has done all of that for you. All you need to do is sit back and let your mind open to God’s gifts and life that He has created for you. Really look at what all you have right in front of you. I use to think that my retreat had to be in a condo along the beach or a cabin sitting amongst the trees next to a lake–But I found my favorite retreat to be right at home! I can hear the silence of God. I can appreciate all my blessings, and I can discover myself. The key is to commit yourself to do this. Be selfish for once, so you “can be” for everyone else! So as the hurry and scurry times arrive, find your retreat. Go there—be still, listen, talk to God, and let you mind rest. The real “retreat” is where the resting of your soul can be found!

The Retreat

Steam rises from the cup.

The outside looks chilly,

But the aromatic liquid gives warmth to my hands.

The smell is so good,

And the sips are God’s comfort.

 

The only sound is that of the chimes singing in the wind.

The air unit slightly blows like a soft summer’s breeze.

I sit the special cup against my chest,

And I feel the warmth of God’s touch.

 

The soft comforter strewn across my feet provides a spot for the pup to lie on.

The outside appears bleak.

The white ghost looks dark against the grey sky.

But the comfy chair holds my body

And caresses my back like a mama caresses her baby.

 

The small fire flickers with warmth.

Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

This retreat provides all of these.

No phones, no e-mails, no meetings, and no demands show the comforts of this retreat.

 

The mind can rest.

The spirit can talk with God.

The heart can revel in the joy of safety.

The soul rebuilds and rejoices.

This retreat is called home.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

It is time to enjoy family this holiday season, but you have to enjoy yourself first! Retreat this week! Thank you so much for being with me this week. I hope you have received a blessing and hope with this week’s reading.

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings