Our retreat in 2023 surpassed all our expectations.

We went back to how it all started to reveal a new name for all our retreats moving forward. We had just shy of 200 who came for 5 days we will never forget!

3 things that came out of our retreat

1. Remember That You’ve Navigated the Unknown Before

We have all confronted unfamiliar seasons. Sometimes, they are related to natural transitions of human development for which we, personally, have no experience. Other times we enter more complex seasons including physical/mental health crises, death of a spouse, divorce, job loss, unforeseen financial hardship, or relocating.

Nothing is guaranteed. If we reflect on our lives, we recognize that we have encountered numerous new seasons of “normal” that all look different from each other. And without realizing it, we adapted. Even when those “normal” places felt exhausting, inconvenient, and confusing. We did it because Jesus breathed life into us through all times and all places.

My friend Gina Butz offers this reminder: “But as I look back on my life and the seasons where I most wondered, ‘What is He up to?’ I see the fruit. I see that the ways He worked things really were better than I could have imagined. That gives me hope to keep leaning into the mystery of God.”

We can be thankful that God’s voice speaks into our fears, regardless of time, place, and people.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9.

2. Recognize That Your Story Stories Is Part of a Bigger Story

Our personal stories fit into the bigger story God is writing through creation. That narrative is woven through the lives of those who have come before us, are present in this lifetime and after us. We belong to each other.

We tend to live according to our own narratives and forget that encountering unexpected seasons with no clear answers are not limited to the present year. Our human companions in other generations and in other parts of the world know firsthand of experiencing seasons which feel confusing and offer few concrete answers.

We share the anguish that comes with living in a broken place.

Hearing from others how they navigated through difficult circumstances reminds us that we live in a place that is aching toward restoration. But it hasn’t yet arrived. Affliction, political unrest, losses of varying origin, disappointment and death are realities that we encounter. All of humanity.

But, we are also reminded that God is in it with us.

Biblical scholar N.T. Wright shares insight into the way the early church’s response speaks into the current pandemic crisis:

“It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead. As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. And out of that there can emerge new possibilities, new acts of kindness, new scientific understanding, new hope.”

3. Approach God with Your Fears

Henri Nouwen aptly describes how it sometimes feels when praying. “So I am praying while not knowing how to pray. I am resting while feeling restless, at peace while tempted, safe while still anxious, surrounded by a cloud of light while still in darkness, in love while still doubting.”

Being thrust into a circumstance with a foggy view challenges us. Clarity regarding future agendas, ideologies, and even theology can appear hindered. The new path doesn’t match previously held expectations.

In addition, encountering the character of God in ways never before, creates questions. Is God listening? Am I praying for the right answer?

Scripture bears witness to the fact that God can handle our frustration and anger toward Him for situations that seem unfair and cause us or others pain. Job, the Psalms, Lamentations and other texts provide affirmation that our feelings matter and that we are heard even when we don’t understand what is unfolding before us.

The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).

Trusting God to hold us up in times of uncertainty transforms us and points others to the Holy Spirit at work.