Retreat for the Weak

re·treat

1 a (1) : an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable (2) : the process of receding from a position or state attained

It is time for me to withdraw from this position in front of my computer screen.  It's not that it's a dangerous place so much (although it can be).  It's usually easy and agreeable, but I have heard a signal. 

b (2) : a signal for retreating

I'm being called away for a short time . . . a couple of weeks perhaps, or three.  I'm going to rest, to renew, to enjoy, to live, to learn, to refresh.  My home (without time in front of the screen) and the big outdoors will be 2 : a place of privacy or safety : a refuge.  They will be my retreat.

3 : a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

I will read my Bible and some great books.  I'll play with my children.  I'll go for walks.  I'll relax at the beach.  I'll hike, I'll swim, I'll craft, I'll nap.  I'll talk to the Director of my steps . . . my Refuge . . . my Strong Fortress. 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
~Psalm 18:2

I retreat because I am weak.  There is strength in rest.  There is nourishment in starving the now, in starving the self that likes affirmation, in starving immediacy.  There is strength in receding from the position you are in when you are headed to The Rock.

May you have a time to do the same.

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength."  ~ Isaiah 30:15



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Retreat for the Weak