Retreat

Posted by createw on Jan 22nd, 2010 | no comments

When I was growing up I had a pastor tell us that Christians should never retreat.
“We are God’s people and we should always advance” he told us. I truly understand where my brother was coming from and I get the fervor of the idea he was trying to express, but I must disagree with this as an overall ideology.
Retreat is sometimes necessary and healing. Jesus often found time to be alone and move away from the crowds. Recently I had the chance to go to another state on a pastor’s retreat. There was nothing deeply life changing about the teaching or theme, it was simply time away. I love my life. I love my family, my church, my calling, and pretty much everything about where I am in life, but I still need time to recharge my spiritual and my physical batteries. It makes me better in every area of my life.
Retreats can be over several days or they can be for a few moments. A retreat can be getting out and taking a walk or a drive. It can be going to the mountains or the beach. The key is knowing when you need it and making sure that you get it. For me it is about making sure that I not only get it but that it becomes a time that I let God be a significant part it as well. It is only as effective as my ability to listen.
Take time to retreat. Regroup, refocus, renew. I believe it is Godly.