How like the good Lord to schedule a full day's retreat for me after my Mom's passing - a day carved out of my full schedule so I can just sit with him and be quiet and grieve. Not some full blown wailing and keening, but a deliberate and focused reflection on Mom and on how life will be different. Yes, there are others there and yes, we follow a loose observance of celebrating the hours, which helps me connect to God's grace. We are also provided lots of time to just be alone with God.
We are at Mercy Prayer Center, near the Highland Park area. I have heard of this center before, but never had the opportunity of visiting. It is a place of grace and hospitality. Little touches of kindness meet you everywhere you look - a small vase with fresh flowers, open Bibles, tapestries, windows filled with the lush green of summer. How surprising to find this place of quiet sandwiched in between houses and businesses. A light rain mists the world and accentuates my tiredness. I welcome the invitation to sit and be quiet.
During our reflection times, I am directed by one of the sisters to an unoccupied guest room where I close the door and curl up in a comfortable easy chair, drape a prayer shawl over my shoulders and gaze out on a colorful garden filled with birds singing and water gurgling. It is restful and cleanses my soul with peace and contentment. Only God could have known how much I needed this time. I am swaddled by his presence and wrapped in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I tend to the tasks of the program that brought me here, but that is only a small piece of my business. God knows what is needed and He touches my hurting heart with tenderness and understanding. I am not alone and I bask in his kindness. What a good and gracious God to be with me in my time of sorrow. I recall special times with Mom that I had long forgotten. I remember her and think about how much she meant to me.
I am blessed. I am conscious of God anointing my head with oil. My cup runs over. Goodness and mercy surround me - even in the sad times.The retreat gives me much needed strength to face the days ahead. I wander home at the end of the day and go to bed early to enjoy a full night of rest. Thanks be to God.
We are at Mercy Prayer Center, near the Highland Park area. I have heard of this center before, but never had the opportunity of visiting. It is a place of grace and hospitality. Little touches of kindness meet you everywhere you look - a small vase with fresh flowers, open Bibles, tapestries, windows filled with the lush green of summer. How surprising to find this place of quiet sandwiched in between houses and businesses. A light rain mists the world and accentuates my tiredness. I welcome the invitation to sit and be quiet.
During our reflection times, I am directed by one of the sisters to an unoccupied guest room where I close the door and curl up in a comfortable easy chair, drape a prayer shawl over my shoulders and gaze out on a colorful garden filled with birds singing and water gurgling. It is restful and cleanses my soul with peace and contentment. Only God could have known how much I needed this time. I am swaddled by his presence and wrapped in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I tend to the tasks of the program that brought me here, but that is only a small piece of my business. God knows what is needed and He touches my hurting heart with tenderness and understanding. I am not alone and I bask in his kindness. What a good and gracious God to be with me in my time of sorrow. I recall special times with Mom that I had long forgotten. I remember her and think about how much she meant to me.
I am blessed. I am conscious of God anointing my head with oil. My cup runs over. Goodness and mercy surround me - even in the sad times.The retreat gives me much needed strength to face the days ahead. I wander home at the end of the day and go to bed early to enjoy a full night of rest. Thanks be to God.
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