This past weekend I was blessed to be with eight others for the youth retreat at Heit's Point Lutheran Camp just outside of Lincoln, MO.   Sitting around a fire, being dumped into the lake while sitting in a canoe, listening to the quiet noises, or taking the opportunity to learn something new about each person attending were just a few of the highlights that made it a rewarding experience.

The word retreat has three different meanings.  A definition we commonly hear is in the context of soldiers pulling back from attack when given the signal to get out of a dangerous situation.   Webster's dictionary's first definition is "an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable."  I retreated from the poison ivy plants, didn't have a chance to retreat from the wake that capsized our canoe, and the sun never peeked through the clouds long enough for me to retreat in the shade of the trees.  

Webster's second definition reads, "a place of privacy or safety."   Our hostel was private.  We felt safe and didn't have people walking or driving by constantly like if we were camping along I-35.  The camp personnel were personal and helpful, and not overbearing.  

The third definition "a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director" was also fulfilled during the 36 plus hours we were there.    We had set times to journal, read, or be by ourselves as we admired the creation God has blessed us with.  It gave us an opportunity to think about why we do what we do as members of God's army.  

What definition of retreat applies to you and your Christian faith walk?   Do you retreat when being a Christian becomes too difficult, or when you don't want to let others know what you do on Sunday mornings?  Or do you retreat to a quiet spot frequently to be renewed by your Savior as you chat with God and study His word?  

Retreats are opportunities for participants to experience a renewal of body, mind, and spirit.  They are opportunities to connect with the heavenly Father and grow in a relationship with Him.  It is a time set aside to be encouraged and sustained as one daily prepares for battle, shielded by the breastplate of righteousness.  It is a time to reaffirm one's commitment to their Savior as they gain strength to share the news of salvation with others.  

I thank Jesus for the times that are quiet, for it's a time to focus on God and His Word.    I thank Jesus for the opportunity to be in His presence as I learn and grow in His grace.  I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in every situation I have been placed in.  I thank God for offering me the gift of eternal life.  

I pray that as you take the time to retreat somewhere this week to learn and grow, you'll pray for the friend or neighbor who does not know Him.  As God opens the door to share His love, may you feel empowered so you won't need to retreat from the opportunity.  

Enjoying the ride,