Retreat

Today’s Reading: John 11:53-54(NIV)

53 So from that day on they plotted to take to take [Jesus] life. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead He withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where He stayed with His disciples.

Good morning!

Where do you like to retreat? Last week during our small group meeting, someone asked me where I like to go on vacation. I especially enjoy visiting the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Our family has made many trips to Bailey, Colorado through the years. This picturesque village is nestled in a beautiful valley running along the Guanella Pass. Bailey is bathed in fields of wildflowers surrounded by steep mountain peaks. Glen Isle Resort has been a Spaulding family favorite for many years. The Rainbow’s End cottage has an old covered front porch that I especially delight in. As the early morning sun creeps up over the snow capped mountain tops, one can sit and listen to the chirping of the birds and the rushing river nearby. It is a picturesque and quiet place, where the sweet smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee wafts out across the porch and drifts into the crisp mountain air. Wrapped up in a piece quilt with comfy woolen slippers, I sit, surrounded by God’s majestic presence, enjoying the peace and quiet of a cozy mountain retreat. When life is especially crazy, I take a stroll along memory lane and remember the mornings I sat on that front porch just listening to the Lord and whispering praises to His name.

Jesus became a wanted man almost overnight. From the moment He began His earthly ministry, Christ was followed by the believers, the curious and the skeptics. People were drawn to the Messiah; they knew He was offering something bigger than anything they had ever experienced before. A need was being met; people were getting healed; some even brought back to life again. It must have been difficult to find a place of solitude, a retreat where Jesus could rest and wait surrounded by family and friends. The town of Ephraim is approximately eight miles north of Jerusalem, bordering the wilderness of Bethaven. A quiet and secluded village, not far from the town of Bethel, Jesus chose this place for his personal retreat.

There is a special place where we can experience holy retreat each day. We do not have to travel far to find Him. We may experience holy retreat at work, at home, in our car, at school, or even walking at a nearby park. You may find sweet peace strolling along the beach, gazing into the vast ocean waters. Maybe your holy space is standing knee deep along the edge of a river, casting a rod upon the waters and waiting for the “big one” to bite. Some find solace swinging a golf club at the ninth hole, or simply taking a little rest on the hammock swaying between two trees in your back yard. Jesus knew where to retreat and to whom He would go. Find a space today to spend time alone with Him. Christ can bring you His peace that passes all understanding. He will guard your heart and mind, as you retreat into His holy presence. Do not miss the mountaintop experience because of busyness. Where will you go to find Jesus today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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