Going Away With God

When the women of our church head out for retreat they enjoy a fine hotel and all of the amenities. For us guys, we get something like this!

That church retreat might do you some good

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Retreat Time

My wife is heading out today for a woman’s retreat, an event she has been looking forward to for several months now. She will be gone for two nights, returning on Sunday afternoon, but not before spending plenty of time studying scripture, participating in worship, fellowshipping with her sisters, and allowing God to speak to her heart.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch I’ll be busy with our two boys and thinking ahead to next weekend when us guys go away on our own retreat!

Seriously, I hope and pray that this is a good time for my wife and for each of the women who are planning to be there. I like retreats: they are a chance to get away from it all, catch up with people, eat “okay” food, but above all else minster to and be ministered by God.

Heading Out

Ever since our children were small, my wife and I have been going on retreats. In 2003, we took in our first and only family retreat, but it wasn’t what we expected: with two toddlers in tow we were busy meeting their needs, while missing out on ours. After that, we decided that the best way for us to get something out of a retreat was to go to our respective women’s and men’s retreats.

That move has proved to be a blessing each time.

I know of some people who never go on retreats. I’ve heard all kinds of reasons why they don’t go including family obligations, work responsibilities, inability to sleep anywhere but at home, not liking the food, and more.

I suppose there are always reasons not to get away, but I can think of many reasons why you might and probably should including:

You Need It – There is a selfish component for why you need to go on a retreat: you need it. As men and women of God, we’re constantly pouring out and finding ourselves under assault by the world, our flesh, and our mortal enemy, the devil.

Oftentimes we simply don’t recognize that we’re being hassled, frightened, beaten or otherwise worn down, needing a change of scenery to help us regroup.

Your Presence – Though I’ve been blessed by any number of teachings I have heard while on a retreat, I look forward to seeing other men including meeting some for the first time. Women seem to be naturals when it comes to taking in a retreat, enjoying snacks with each other, swapping stories, laughing, praying together, and just having a whole lot of fun.

Guys are a bit more low key, but I must confess that I recall friend’s faces and conversations more readily than I do most of the teachings. That may not be so bad because I get regular feedings of God’s Word, but not enough time for fellowship with men. You may think your absence will go unnoticed, but I like to think that your presence means something to other men.

Your Heart – Life is a journey and the road is certainly a long one. I must confess that there are times in my life when I find myself terribly distracted and not focused on the Lord. I get into “guy mode” where I try to handle everything on my own. Sometimes that works out for awhile, but generally I end up getting short with my wife or boys, tempted to take short cuts with work, or otherwise blowing my witness.

Let me be candid about retreats: God has something special in store for you, but you have to do your part by recognizing your own need. Worship, a particular message, an unexpected conversation or interaction with another person can go far in speaking to your heart. We’re not meant to set out on this journey of life by ourselves particularly these days when our core beliefs are under constant assault.

Ephesians 6:11 tells us that we can’t be engaged in the battle unless we first put on the armor of God. As in any battle we are supported by fellow soldiers (men and women) and we follow our commander, who is Jesus Christ.

Seek God

This missive isn’t meant to be a guilt inducer. That’s not my style. Rather, I hope that I am speaking to your heart if an opportunity to get away with God presents itself and you’re not sure what you’re going to do.

Consider all that God has for you and take of His riches. On the surface there may not be much there, but dig a little deeper and you may be surprised at what you turn up.

Photo Credit: Atif Gulzar

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