Pictures: 1. Group picture of retreat participants. 2. & 3. Discussion sessions. 4. Dave Nixon. 5. Dave Nixon showing pictures of his family. 6. Session after breakfast on Sunday morning in Barclay's "Bear's Den" Student Center
We all need a chance from time to time to stop and 'get our grove back'!
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 "The Message"
I love it when Jesus says in Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV): "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." My understanding of what it means to follow Christ is truly a demanding "give it all" challenge. Therefore, what grace it is to know that the yoke and burden of Christ is easy and light. Thank God!
I am also thankful for a great weekend away this past Memorial Day weekend for retreat offered by the Center for Spiritual Renewal at Barclay College. The Guided Retreat, "Gettin' Your Groove Back", was hosted by David Williams and the special guest facilitiator was David Nixon, http://sustainablefaith.com/guided-retreats. Dave Nixon is a runner so we ran together in the mornings and talked about running constantly. What a neat (and weird) guy! The whole idea of the retreat was so simple and fundamental - creating margins in your life. Specifically, margins in activity, diet, sabbath, and sleep were discussed. Very challenging, very fascintating, very refreshing, and very helpful!
