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One friend of mine never uses the word “retreat” for a refreshing time away.  I understand that.  I hope to come away with an “advance” instead of a retreat.

And so the last few days are more an advance than a retreat!  There are things that needed to be done.  Things that needed to be caught up on.  Things that were unexpected.  Things that led to refreshment.

Invitations for our upcoming wedding needed to be completed and addresses confirmed.  Registrations and incoming emails needed to be dealt with.  And, blessing of blessings, I was able to attend a Bible study on prayer – I had been following the group through email and reading of a study guide – now I got to actually sit down with other participants and interact.

And so, driving back today I was thankful.  This retreat had been a treat.  May there be many more to come.  In keeping my own health, I am hoping to be able to serve others without killing myself!

Winter has been long for many people.  The stories have to go back to ’55 – ’56 to get the same type of sense of longevity.  In that year, one farm lady said their vehicle sat in the garage from November – May.  They were unable to release the vehicle from the snow!

I think some people feel like they have been unable to be released from snow.  There are cases of mild depression (and even severe depression).  A day of sunshine does amazing things.

What is often needed is to find a time in the midst of our days to come to solitude and silence and prayer before God.  I’m reading a book by Henri Nouwen that emphasizes this approach.  As I continue through the book, I see my own need to look “over” the snow, to look “through” the busyness and to find time for retreat. 

I am hoping in the next few days to do just that.  I have been clearing my schedule.  Aside from the close connections that need to be maintained as a part of daily life, the schedule can be moved.  And perhaps my location will need to be moved.

In the end, the goal is not to leave life, but to encounter life.  I trust that you also, those who are in the midst of the same season of the year as I am, might find time to refresh.  Perhaps not a retreat, but a refocusing of your thoughts on God.  Perhaps not time off, but time spent in depth of thought and not worry or anxiety.

May God give to you a refreshing.

Today I have two major events planned.  One is a seniors meal, another a counseling appointment and supper.

As I head into almost a year after the passing of my wife, Jill, I am reminded of what this would have looked like a year ago.

The meal with the seniors would have been headed up by Jill.  We would be gathering together various utensils that might just be needed.  Any last minute shopping needs would be cared for on the way to the church. 

After the luncheon we would have headed home, prepared a supper meal and looked over the counseling needs for the afternoon session.  Many of my counseling sessions, particularly with couples, included Jill.

Almost a year later, I am thankful for all those who are preparing meals.  I am thankful for those who are open to provide support where needed.

In all this, though, the loss  is still present.  As I work towards the first year anniversary of her death on May 17th, I know that other thoughts and memories will arise.  This is to be expected. 

While others are helpful and supportive, I am so thankful that God is good, his strength is sufficient.  I continue to rely on God for each day.  And so, I begin this day saying, “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Yesterday I am at a hymn sing.  Hymn sings are designed for an older generation.  They are fun, exhausting and inspirational.  Sing for a straight hour and see how your lungs last.  Sit with friends and laugh and cry and hear good words spoken. 

I was asked to lead the singing.  The song leader had been drifted in by six feet of snow (yes, it is April and the snow will melt – just not yet!).  The songs didn’t look too difficult – although I found one song was not what I had expected.  I ended up reading the music and trying to make that work.  Thanks to a great pianist, we made it through.

As I am standing there, preparing for the evening, the leader stepped up to me.  In a nice way he said, “you don’t have to wear your tie.”

Now, I like ties.  They keep my neck warm, give a nice flow to the ensemble of shirt and suit jacket, and can set off a clothing display that would otherwise be rather dull.

I looked around the room.  There were suit jackets a plenty.  But no ties.

Remember, this is the generation that grew up with ties, especially on Sunday (and many other days).  The following generation rebelled and lived in blue jeans and tshirts. 

I was surprised.  The dress code was a contradiction to the age in which they grew up. 

Perhaps there is still a little bit of the rebel even in the “older” generation!