After recently spending four days away helping to lead a retreat, I've been pondering what it means to retreat. I first spoke of this topic in a 2019 Pulse article.

Why should Christians retreat? The word "retreat" is defined as an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable. An example would be when troops are forced to withdraw from an enemy. A second definition of retreat is more pleasant: a retreat is a place of privacy or safety, a refuge.

With either definition, a retreat is a pulling away. Is your life moving fast? If you are waiting for things to slow down on their own, it's not going to happen. We all need times to get away, to spend time with God, family and friends; to enjoy nature; to get out of our daily routines.

But what do we do when we cannot take the day or weekend or week off? Is it possible to be away without being physically away? The answer is yes. Even in the busiest of days or weeks, we can take a few moments to pull away into a place of privacy, safety. We can have a refuge even when life is loud and noisy and full.

Use the little times of life. While waiting in line, driving in the car alone, I can take a few moments and offer them to God and myself. Maybe I offer a few words of thanks to God or pray for a friend. Or maybe I just stop and quiet my mind. I remember who God is: my refuge, my quiet place, my strength and my song.

The website titled unhurriedliving.com contains a five minute retreat called SLOW: How to become present in this moment.

Stop - Stop moving...Stop thinking...Be still. "Come to me..." an invitation from Jesus

Linger - Take a deep breath. The grace for this moment is right here...right now

                 Use your senses to take in the moment.

                  See - Hear - Breathe - Feel.

                  All shall be well

Observe - Notice any anxious thoughts. Observe the pace of your heart.

                    Present your worries to Him.

                    The peace you long for is possible as you give yourself to Him

                     Notice God in this moment. He is with you

Wonder - Come follow me..." an invitation from Jesus.

                   What might God have for you in this moment?

                     As you begin to look outward -

                    How might you care for those around you

                     How might you handle the task in front of you?

What about you?  Do you need a little time away? Take a walk. Write down your prayers. SLOW yourself. Really listen to the Lord. Be reminded that we cannot do it alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ took time to retreat, spending time with His Father and so should we. Our strength comes from the Lord!

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn