Aldersgate Ladies Retreat April 10 – 12
Good morning, Creative Friends!
It’s Tuesday, April 15th – and we are currently in Holy Week. As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, it’s apt to take time to slow down and be present this week. I think of Jesus with his disciples – he wasn’t rushing around and trying to fit everything into each second like we tend to do this week leading up to Easter. He was truly present in each breath of each moment.
Their meal together and Jesus washing the feet of each of his disciples – taking his time, speaking in low hushed tones… I can imagine the effect of a slower, deliberate interaction such as this. When you capture that hush within you, you don’t want it to leave too quickly. You align yourself with the space and time to fully be present: a deliberate quieting of our motions, voices, and hearts so that the atmosphere of reverence remains unbroken.
Last week, I was blessed to join a group of women for our second Ladies Retreat hosted by Aldersgate Abilene Methodist Church. In the preparation for the event both this year and last, I couldn’t have imagined that I would come away with what I have each time.
While Cheri, our Family Ministry director, and I planned different things, there was no way to know how God would take these inspirations and align them with his plans. Each year, we’ve returned from the experience in Kerrville, TX with new insights, stronger bonds with other women in our church family, and a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey. We’ve returned home each time knowing we are all an integral part of our faith community, connected as sisters in Christ.
These sisters of mine are just like me, though I wouldn’t have known it. They have the same heartaches. They share the same joy and laughter. They have a deep love for God and they in turn love deeply of others. We all have quirks and flaws and strengths – we are all unified in building one another up and being there when a sister is in need.
These women have been the guides for my spiritual walk and supporters in innumerable ways. I’ve made friendships with people I generally would not have had the opportunity to get to know.
There’s been laughter, tears, hope filled lessons, new connections forged, blessings counted, prayers whispered, and deep, deep love shared. The Holy Spirit moves in amazing ways and I’ve seen several glimmers of these sacred echoes resonating amongst our tribe over the last few days. Like family, I feel amazed each time I reflect that I’m part of this collective and have a place like this to call home. Thank you, God, for Aldersgate and my church family.
Grace + Peace,
Samantha
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