For many of us, we look back fondly at retreats and camp experiences as significant moments in our spiritual journeys. These are often places where we have encountered the Lordâs presence in meaningful ways, places where we internalized the message of Godâs love for us, or places where we felt like we belonged to a community of faith. Why do you think this is the case? As I reflect on this question in my own life, I donât think there is anything inherently âspiritualâ about a retreat center or a camp that causes Godâs Spirit to move more significantly in our lives in these particular locations. But there are some unique gifts that retreats offer that help to open us up to experience Godâs presence.
The first gift is space. A retreat is an opportunity to carve out space in our lives to encounter the Lord. While it is true we can encounter the Lord while paying bills, driving carpool, going to work, and shopping for groceries, the constant motion of our lives often competes with our intention to meet the Lord in the middle of it all. The reason why we gather for retreats is to care for our souls, to find space to breathe, to rest, and to receive from the Lord. Thatâs it. There is nothing required of you rather than to simply come and receive from God. This is a gift of a retreat.
The second gift a retreat offers is connection. One of the primary needs that people have in their lives is a need to belong. Belonging and connection are real desires of our hearts, and we need places to cultivate and nurture these good, God-given desires. Whether you are brand new to the church community, or have been coming to Kairos for a long time, the womenâs retreat allows for multiple points of connection with different people throughout the weekend. Some of the most meaningful moments are the casual conversations on a walk, or shared over a meal, or intentional conversations in small groups discussing some of the things you are learning. Connections come through meeting new people you may not have had the opportunity to engage with before. I am always amazed and blessed to witness how when someone who is brand new to the church decides to come on the retreat, how by the end of the weekend they can testify to the meaningful connection they feel to the community as a result. This is a gift!
And finally, a retreat provides a context for you to truly hear messages from the Lord that are designed to meet you where you are. Our retreat speaker, Mazi Robinson, spends months in prayer and preparation, creating message that truly resonate with women. Her insights into Scripture blended with her psychology background, provides a unique blend of meeting women right where they are and speaking to their spiritual and emotional needs. Her theme this year is âSurrendered to Freedom,â the idea that we truly find freedom in our lives when we learn to let go and surrender to God. This year we will also have a guest storyteller, Melissa Niednagel (who also happens to be my sister), who will share her testimony of finding freedom through learning what it means to surrender. She has a powerful story of God meeting her in the midst of challenging circumstances and heartbreak.
Kairos women, we hope that you will consider joining us for the Womenâs Retreat, Feb 8-10, at Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier. Whether you come for one or both nights, or even just for the day on Saturday, we encourage you to give yourself the gift of space, connection, and the opportunity to hear messages that speak to your hearts.Click here to register or contact Miriam for more info or to request a scholarship. Registration deadline is January 15th.
– Miriam