My Retreat

I have received several e-mails asking about my retreat on Friday, so I thought I would post an update.

And, by several e-mails, I mean that really only 3 of you have asked, but I'm still posting an update. (ha ha)

I had an amazing time. I still can't get over what a gift my friend, Pam gave me when she decided to take me on a day retreat. A time that I could just sit and spend time with my Lord.

She took me to The Cove at the Billy Graham Training Center. This is such a beautiful place. Once we arrived, we went straight to the Chapel. There is a small room overlooking the sanctuary that is the prayer room. In that room was a circular kneeling bench where you could pray. Awesome. The Chapel has floor to ceiling windows that are gorgeous and as Pam says, "They look up to the heavens". It really was beautiful. We were led first to a call center room where the man thought we were going to participate in the tour. He kept calling me 'Pam' and Pam was 'Deidre'. We just answered to that and didn't tell him otherwise :)

Pam told him we were there to spend some time alone and he was happy to let us roam on our own to find a place to sit for awhile. We went to the bottom floor which was set up sort of like a museum and had many pictures of Rev. Graham and Ruth and was filled with quotes. I know all that was interesting, but I was so anxious to get by myself and start reading and praying.

I glanced at one quote on my way out that made such an impression on me. It was from Ruth Belle Graham and it was posted next to a picture of her and Billy as she was kissing him goodbye. The quote read, "I would rather spend two weeks with Billy than with any other man full time". Wow! I was reminded of many times I've complained about Eric's schedule or even over youth functions that he has committed himself to. I was just recently complaining about it to my friend, Cathy who is a military wife and sees her husband very little. I was feeling sorry for myself on that day and I asked her how in the world she does it. She said something along the same lines as Ruth's quote and I will never forget it. She said, "He's worth the wait". So, God used both to teach me how selfish I am. I'm so fortunate to be married to a loving, considerate man who loves the Lord, al though I don't always make him feel that way.

As I found me a rocking chair on the front porch of the chapel, I got out my bible and my journal and my MP3 player loaded with praise music. I couldn't wait to begin my time with the Lord. And, do you know what?? I didn't know what to do. I don't know the last time I had complete silence before the Lord. I have quiet time every day, but I'm always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting on a little one to ask for a snack, or watching the clock so I don't spend too much time away from other obligations. I'm ashamed to say that, but it's the truth. It took me awhile to be able to clear my mind and focus completely on the Lord.

While sitting on the porch, I realize how 'thick' the woods around the Chapel were. It looks like they have cut just enough trees to build this beautiful stone building. I looked up and saw where a branch had been cut from one tree to make room for another balcony. This caught my attention on the branch.



Can you see it? Can you see the cross carved on the cut branch? I focused on that a lot. The Cross!

This is another view from my rocking chair...

Gorgeous!

I went inside to meet Pam for lunch and God put an 87 year old woman in my path. The man that kept calling me 'Pam' had told her I was a stay-at-home Mom. She seemed to be waiting on me and wanting to tell me what a privilege I had to be able to stay at home with my children. Can I just tell you how God used that woman in my life at that moment?? You see, I know the privilege I have, but when you're in the midst of raising 2 little ones, you grow weary (as I'm sure all of you with little ones know). She told me that she stayed home with her 4 boys and her youngest was now 55 years old. She said that staying home with them gave her such a connection with her children, she can always tell how they are the second she hears their voices. Amazing. I needed that encouragement. I had just seconds before written in my journal about how discouraged I was and telling God I felt like I was failing my children - you know the guilt that we put on ourselves that doesn't come from the Lord. Silly, really, but it's what I do.

After lunch, we went to the Training Center for some more alone time. This was my view from the TC balcony...

Pam and I ended our day praying together on the back porch of the Training Center. I missed my babies so much, but I didn't want this time to end. I don't know when I'll ever get to have time like that again, but I do know that I won't wait as long. It was well worth the time and God showed me great things that day. He answered some prayers that I've had for a long time. Prayers that he probably has wanted to answer for a long time, but I would just never get still enough to listen.

I'll never forget the gift my friend gave me. The best gift ever! Thank you, Pam!

I encourage you to take some time alone with God, free from distractions. If you're able to give that time to a stay-at-home Mom with little ones, please do so. She will love you for it and be forever grateful!