Apr
30
2018
The Retreat
Posted in Discipleship 4 Comments
It was the day of the women’s retreat at my church.
The women were really looking forward to a day of being together.
Usually, the retreat is held at retreat center for an entire weekend.
Every few years, the retreat is held at our church and is a day long event.
There is something about women’s fellowship that is so precious.
There is something about getting away for an entire day to refresh our spirits.
We all see each other in church, but with two services, we do not see everyone all the time.
This day, we were all together and it was truly sweet.
Our speaker was Lydia Brownback, an author and editor for Crossway Books.
Her biography on the back of our program said it all.
Lydia is passionate about promoting biblical doctrine with a high view of God.
We were all looking forward to a day of teaching and rejuvenation.
Our retreat was from 8:30 to 5:00.
The theme of our retreat was: Flourish.
The dictionary definition of the word, Flourish, is: to be in a vigorous state; to thrive.
Another definition I especially like is: to grow luxuriantly.
Lydia taught three different sessions.
Set free from Self-Consciousness.
Set free from Self-Indulgence.
Set free from Self-Analysis.
She encouraged us to look upward and outward.
So much of our world tells us to look inward.
That is the antithesis of biblical teaching.
Jesus taught us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)
The messages we see, and hear, and read impact us greatly.
We must have a discerning ear and a Bible-saturated heart.
Even Charles Spurgeon spoke on discernment.
Spurgeon’s quote is one I have never forgotten.
Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right. (Charles Spurgeon)
It is only when we let go of ourselves that we can actually take hold of Jesus.
We must not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. (Romans 12:3)
We are to display Jesus, not ourselves.
We are to think of ourselves less and think about Jesus more.
The worship team brought us to the throne of grace.
Song after song, we drew nearer to Him.
Song after song, the worship team faded away and Christ was all we could see.
As songs were sung and Scripture was read, throats tightened and tears came to our eyes.
It was what was happening all around me that struck me the most.
I saw the line of diaper bags and car seats in the back of the sanctuary.
I saw newborn infants in their mother’s arms.
I saw precious babies on blankets, lying on their tummies.
Life was all around me.
Abundant life.
Women of all ages were in the sanctuary.
Women of all stages of life were standing shoulder to shoulder.
After each session, we left the sanctuary and went down to the large fellowship hall.
There, all the women sat at round tables and talked together.
Our name tags had a table number, so we all knew where to sit.
There were snacks after the first session and a lovely lunch after the second session.
As the worship team began and ended the first session, instructions were given.
Anyone who needed assistance to get downstairs could leave earlier than the rest.
Anyone who was in a wheelchair and needed to take the elevator could leave early as well.
We all continued to sing.
One precious woman, in her wheelchair, sat up in front
I saw the friend that brought her lean over and say something to her.
I saw the woman shake her head.
I assumed her friend offered to go with her but this precious woman declined her offer.
I watched her wheel down the main aisle.
Her strong arms turned the wheels on each side of her wheelchair.
I watched another woman get out of her seat and follow her.
I knew what she was doing; I knew she did not want to be noticed.
The woman who followed the woman in the wheelchair understood.
She understands because her husband is in a wheelchair.
In her quiet, unassuming way, she simply got up and followed her out of the sanctuary.
She did not want the woman in the wheelchair to be alone.
It was the sweetest gesture.
It was compassion lived out.
It was just second nature to this precious woman.
She is a helper and anyone who comes in contact with her is blessed beyond measure.
As she walked down the aisle behind the woman in the wheelchair, I thought of Mr. Rogers.
I remembered reading something his own mother taught him.
Those words came to mind as I watched this unfold before me.
It was all about the helpers.
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” (Fred Rogers)
As the day was drawing to a close, the worship was even sweeter.
Hearts were full.
We all stood shoulder to shoulder.
We sang from our hearts, as we worshiped the One we love so desperately.
I was sitting towards the back of the sanctuary but I could still see the woman in the wheelchair.
She was standing like everyone else, worshiping the Lord.
I could see that she was shaky on her feet.
Yet, it was important to her that she stand.
I saw two arms around her.
One arm from the woman on her left.
One arm from the woman on her right.
They were holding her up.
They gave her the support she needed to stand.
They were there by her side.
She was not alone.
She was upheld by two sisters in Christ.
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on one side, one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (Exodus 17:12)
Flourish: to grow luxuriantly.
Self was laid down for the sake of another.
The view was upward and outward.
The helpers, the encouragers, and the sisters were there shoulder to shoulder.
We were blessed.
The Lord was praised.
Thank you, Gina, for observing and recording this sensitive display of love. Beautiful indeed.
Verna,
How blessed we were to have had such a day together.
It was a little taste of heaven.
Gina
This is beautifully writtten. What a special time I had with all of you!
Lydia,
How blessed we all were to have you with us! You consistently lifted up the Word of God and the Lord Jesus we serve. Thank you for giving so much of yourself away for our benefit and His Glory.
Gina