CONSIDER THIS MOMENT about … RETREAT

RETREAT is not simply categorized as good or bad, as it serves a more significant purpose in one's life. It is a powerful tool that allows individuals to assess their needs and make strategic decisions. When we choose to retreat, we are not admitting defeat or accepting our destruction. On the contrary, we are showing our strength and resilience by stepping back from difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situations. This act of retreat enables us to observe and evaluate our current circumstances, paving the way for a more successful approach in the future.

While there are different types of retreats, the benefits of an individual retreat surpass those of a collective one. In Mark 1:35, we see an example of Jesus retreating to a solitary place in the morning to pray. This type of solitude offers the opportunity for rest, restoration, and resolution. How can one expect to find these necessary elements without retreating? How can we hope for different outcomes in our lives if we never take the time to retreat and reflect? Without retreating, how can we discern the right time and season for our next move? Where can we find stability and grounding if we never allow ourselves the chance to retreat? Moreover, why would we deny the need to fulfill ourselves by engaging in the transformative process of retreating? And who would we turn to for help if we never open ourselves up to the possibility of retreat?

Retreat is not something to be avoided, but rather a necessary process of reconnecting with ourselves; especially, through reflection, relaxation, and restoration, we can release the burdens and challenges that hinder our progress.

By engaging in retreat, we create space for new beginnings and rejuvenation, allowing us to approach our lives with renewed vigor and clarity. So, let us embrace the power of retreat, for it holds the potential to lead us towards a life lived more fully and purposefully.