This past weekend I went to a women’s retreat where I knew a handful of people and only a handful of people knew me. I enjoyed the time with these women, met a few new ones, but did not feel responsible or guilty for not finding out the stories of the other 100 women in attendance.
It may sound strange to you, like I didn’t care about those other women or something. And, truly, in the past, this would have been weird for me. Previously I would have learned the names of every woman at the retreat and taken time to learn at least 1/2 of their stories if time allowed.
However, this retreat was different. I went into it with intention, intention to trust God had something good for me, for my heart, that He would be faithful to meet me where I was, even though I didn’t even know it myself. It was through a church we kinda sorta, only once in a while attend. Once I went to an official women’s ministry event (with dim lights and I was able to slip in and out, unnoticed). At the retreat, I didn’t know which women helped with the ministry team or planned our weekend away, but I’m sure grateful they did. I simply went because a friend of mine was flying in to share, and I threw it out there to a couple friends who went along, too, though they knew no one, either, and weren’t sure what to expect.
Me and my sis, playin’ |
We played on the playground during free time and now I want one of these in my back yard… |
I. Am. In. Love. With. Aspens. |
Mmmmm, smell the pines! |
Room and car, mates 🙂 Refreshing, to the heart, inspiring women, these girls… |
Celeste Barnard shared her story and heart with us. This girl was on fire! I hope she inspires you one day, too! I was so happy for her as she was able to share her first book with us, which you can find here. |
It was refilling to attend a women’s ministry event I had no part in planning. I love gathering women together, as it’s my passion and the way I’ve been wired. But I didn’t realize how much my dried out heart needed a bit of refreshing, and it came…now I can’t wait to plan a weekend for other girls…
So, in keeping with the theme of thankfulness each week, I’d like to share gratefulness from my weekend away:
- A retreat center nestled Rocky Mountainside, the setting still sprinkled with vibrant yellow aspens amongst the thriving green pines
- A gluten free chocolate cupcake upon arrival
- A friend willing to share her story with authenticity in order to pave the way for healing in other women’s lives
- A husband who sees, and benefits from, the value in Mama getting some time away to refresh
- An intimate, good, and gracious God who knew the parts of my heart which longed for refilling, but didn’t even know how to cry out to Him for what I didn’t know I needed
- A basketball, friends, and a sunny court to pretend we were back in High School
- A chain hung porch swing overlooking miles of mountains topped in white snow
- Hours of car time to learn more deeply the stories of the beautiful women on this same adventure
- Having God speak directly to me, those thoughts and ideas smarter than I could ever think of
- Hugs and kisses upon my arrival home
Two friends are linking up this week: Heidi Jo and Heidi Jo.
2 Responses
Sounds really really sweet. ..&fun! What a gift to just did deeper & focus on a few friendsrather than the whole crowd. I’m glad you got filled up to pour out again.
I’ve been slacking on my thankfulness writing& hope to rejoin you in giving thanks too.
I posted! Yeah for me. 🙂
http://blog.ourcozycastle.com/?p=48