Forty men gathered together at an overnight retreat and we all left, I think, wishing we could have stayed longer. There was beautiful weather, great food, and an exquisite setting in the greener-than-usual camp area. The camp is nestled between large pines and cedars and encases a beautiful stream, energized by our huge slowly-melting snowpack.
But all of that is secondary to the challenging teaching, wonderful worship, special prayer times, and rich fellowship--something our men seldom get to do together.
I am not so sure that we aren't like men everywhere--busy, distracted and feeling guilty about our undeveloped spiritual leadership skills.
This environment needs to be revisited more often. Separated from our work world and family responsibility just for a night and a day, we get to be transparent with one another and we discover we are all men struggling at some level but truly seeking to grow. We are encouraged by one another, held accountable by our church brothers, and, for the moment, catapulted to renewed hope for spiritual growth.
We called it a Men's Retreat...away from what we are used to doing and, perhaps, being. What it really might better be described as is a Men's Refueling...helping us gear up for the daily battles of life.
I know I feel renewed and encouraged. Hope my buddies do too.
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