It is a painfully quiet day in the office today. Doc is in a different office and Heather is out to school this afternoon so it's just me and you. Being the social and talkative person that I am, these days in 'solitary' are killer for me. On the other hand, I get the opportunity to have some quiet time so my brain can actually function properly for a short while.
Today I really do not want to be working. I am so excited and wound up I can barely stand it. This evening marks the beginning of the Great Banquet weekend for many beloved, beautiful area women. Seventy-two hours of blissful reflection and relationship with God. Now, I am not attending this weekend retreat but I am sponsoring three wonderful ladies(2 of which are my sisters-in-law) on this heartwarming, heart-renewing weekend getaway. I'm not sure what I would be doing if I weren't here at the office, I just know I can't stand sitting here today. I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve! I can't wait for it to get here.
Last year was my first, and only, spiritual retreat experience. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. All I knew is that after three or four invitations to attend, my pastor was not going to quit asking me until I finally gave in and said yes 'just to get it over with.' So together with a friend, we made it to the Great Banquet #91 in the spring of 2010. The weekend was far beyond anything I could have imagined. I wish I had been invited and attended sooner.
The Banquet was an amazing experience as a guest, but for me it is almost more exciting as the sponsor. Remembering all those special, God-filled, liberating and sustaining moments, the wonderful food, the new friendships and the surprises that were encompassed in those precious 72 hours just gets me giddy. Knowing how I came out a changed person with a renewed sense of God's love and His direction for my life makes me wish Sunday would hurry up and get here so I can hear all about it!
One more look at the clock reveals it is nearly 3 pm. Three short hours until we load the car and press on to the campground they will call home for the next three days. Three more hours until I stand hand-in-hand with them and pray for their walks with God. Three more days until I get to hear about their weekend experience!
Please join me today in saying a prayer for the women who will attend this retreat, for those who work to make it happen, and above all, in thanksgiving to our God who has made it all possible.
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