I discovered a spiritual retreat last year. I used to attend church youth retreats and all-inclusive vacations, which were more of a hybrid of the two, adult vacations to soothe a weary soul. His three times I attended were a much-needed rest for my soul.
When I was in the midst of a divorce and feeling emotionally drained, a high school friend suggested I consider the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist Kentucky. I had only read the word free before submitting my request. Within four days, I was unpacking in a private room before dinner and orientation about the retreat. That’s when I knew exactly where I was.
The monastic setting provides a secluded place to “enjoy the tranquility of the mind, listen to the voice of God, and pray for one’s own discovery” (Thomas Merton). Gethsemani retreats are quiet, unstructured, and directionless. While in the monastery, my life completely changed. I’m looking forward to this summer sojourn with a clearer head.
A few months after my first spiritual retreat, I attended a weekend women’s group retreat at Tall Timbers through my childhood church. I was a pastor’s wife in another place for over 23 years, and she was convinced that she would never be able to warm up a congregation again because the church had hurt her. I was attending the retreat primarily to escape from a new life that wasn’t going as planned. Once again, the Lord knew what I needed.
Through activities such as physically laying down my deepest burdens by writing them on rocks and interacting with other like-minded women, this retreat provided much-needed healing to my heart. I attended church for the first time that Sunday and have never missed a service since. (An interesting side note to that retreat was sharing her experience with her neighbors and discovering that the property we put together was actually the original proposed site for Tall’s Timbers) was.)
I put the finishing touches on my book and learned to trust Him to keep me safe in my sleep. I was struggling with these two things. I found myself excitedly attending a conference where I had planned to politely excuse myself before arriving. Half-jokingly, my intention was to stay another week, as the schedule said I was free to leave after lunch on Wednesday. I wasn’t alone. I also met some women who have been coming here for over 30 years! I’ll be back often.
Our Lady of the Oaks offers retreats for men, women, and couples several times throughout the year. Retreat content varies. Scholarships are available. Anyone in need of a spiritual recharge is welcome, whether or not they can afford to pay thanks to the generosity of others. They will be offering an all-fee Memorial Day weekend retreat for male and female veterans from May 23rd to May 26th.
To register for this retreat and many others, visit ourladyoftheoaks.com or email executiveassistant@ourladyoftheoaks.org.
Next time you need more than just a vacation, consider visiting a spiritual retreat. It may be exactly what your soul needs!
