It’s seventy and sunny here at Warner Camp; the perfect place for a Fresh Start retreat. We have been given the gift of solitude; a whole half hour alone. From where I sit on Mosquito Hill I see kids on the hillside down towards the lake, and stretched out in the valley toward the beach. Some lean against trees, some sit on stumps, and others are sprawled out in the grass. Everyone seems to be enjoying some quite moments with God. I guess I’ll stop thinking about what they are doing (a typical pastor problem), and connect with God myself.
The sun is warm on my face. I don’t even make the effort to think a thought for a while. I just lay there and breathe. Sometimes rest is what God calls me to. Why do I always feel like I have to accomplish something? Even in my quiet time with God I try to perform. Let it go and just be still.
“Like a tree planted by streams of water.” I meditate on this Proverb as I lay back staring up through the underside of big beautiful trees. The various shades of green shimmer in the sunlight on this breezy late afternoon. The sight is inspiring, and the sound so soothing.
Yes Lord, make me like these trees at Warner Camp. Trees that have patiently grown year after year. Over time they have offered shade to countless campers, echoed the sounds of laughter, and witnessing thousands of testimonies shared around the Mosquito Hill campfires. Like these Warner Camp trees... be planted by streams of water.
More than any other time in my life, I am sinking deeper roots into depths where water gives life to my spirit. May it continue.
Posted on
Thu, June 4, 2009
by Chris Spitters