Verse:
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
Thought:
The sound rings through the air, resonating through the bugle,
hammering in our ears as the drummers sounds the command, calling all to turn back and head
to safety. From Middle English, Old French before that, and even preceded by a Latin use,
retreat means to draw back. It is used emotionally, physically and spiritually. Retreating
offers an opportunity to regroup, re-strengthen and refocus. An interesting element of both
the word and the action is this, the "re-" in retreat.
Hear the Good News, God is the "Back" that we fall back on, that we re-turn to. Growing up,
churches and other organizations offer to children and youth the opportunity to go on retreats. The
retreats usually last anywhere from overnight to 4 days. It is here that the people are able to
spend intentional focused time and energy on the theme of the retreat experience. In Matthew, Jesus
would seek opportunities to retreat, such as in Mt 14:23 and 26:36. Retreat are important, they allow
for healing and recuperation. If each meal refuels, each contact with another re-connects and breaks
allow us to refocus, why not refuel, reconnect and refocus on God with a mini retreat of our
own? While your office may not offer the same peace that the Garden of Gethsemane may offer, I am
certain there is a place for you to block out the distractions of your day and have your own retreat
for the day.
Prayer:
Gracious Father in heaven, You are my strength and foundation. Help me to re-focus, re-strengthen and re-connect to You today. I retreat to Your loving arms right now. Thank You for all You have done and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.