Make sure to read Part 1 of my experience at Awaken Silent Retreat.
The prayer path continued on the other side of the creek. I wasn’t able to cross, so I backtracked to the main gravel road.
From there, I had 2 choices. Turn right back to the cabin or go left and see what else I could find.
I chose left and spotted another path connected to a very wide expanse of rock shore next to the creek.
I could hear the sound of the moving water, and I heard the sound of falling water hitting rock. It was much like the sound of a good, heavy rain hitting concrete.
On the opposite side of the creek was a rock and tree embedded mountainside. I was searching for where the sound of falling water was coming from. I couldn’t see it, only hear it.
I walked closer letting sound be my guide, and found it! The morning’s storm had made little waterfalls coming off the mountainside. The water was smacking the rock as it fell.
I sat down on the rocky bank to take it all in. Being so close to the water, I was entertained with the tiniest fish jumping out of the water’s surface. I couldn’t help but think it was God’s smile. I was sitting still, not distracted. I was taking time to relish in His beautiful creation.
Sitting there, I was reminded of a guided meditation I once experienced. It was guiding me to clear my mind. When a thought came to mind, it told me to think about moving water in a creek. Release the thought and let it be washed away with the moving water.
For someone who’s mind never stops having thoughts, this was an exercise and analogy that stuck. It’s a great visual tool.
Sin and baptism. Washing away in the water.
As I watched the moving water, I’m noticed the logs, sticks, and leaves that was being carried in it’s current. Carrying them away much like my thoughts.
Between the falling water that sounded like rain, to the sound of the moving, gurgling water, the water lapping the rock shore, and seeing the water move at the same pace and rhythm…this was its own guided meditation.
God’s guided meditation.
Tan, brown water. Rock mountainside with pops of vibrant green.
Rock shore with smooth river rock all shapes, sizes, and all smooth. I’m sure from the moving water. Tan, cream, rust, red, yellow, orange, white rocks speckling the shoreline.
I sat there capturing the scenery with my journal and pen. I didn’t have a camera with me, and I wanted to hold this beautiful place and moment in my memory.
There was more weather moving in. It was evident by the distant thunder rumbling and the darkening skies. I knew my time by the creek was coming to an end, so I walked back up the main gravel road back to the cabin.
I made it back just in time as the pouring rain began again and lunch was ready too.
Danielle always makes wonderful meals for us. Lunch was a charcuterie board spread across the counter with a delightful assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, etc.
After lunch, it was still raining. The cabin had a large front porch with several rocking chairs. I snagged a rocking chair and watched the rain.
When I say it stormed and down poured rain, I mean it really did! Thunder so loud and booming it shook the ground beneath me. The rain did not let up!
Regardless, several of the ladies, including myself, sat and rocked, and enjoyed the storm. I read the Living Fearless book again. This book has prayer and journal prompts. Highly recommend!
My hubby had given me a birthday present for my trip. Complete with my favorite snacks and a devotional coloring book. I had not colored in so long and this was a perfect opportunity.
Rocking, watching the rain, coloring, reading, journaling, feeling the thunder underneath me.
God is powerful, peaceful, and mighty. Rain, lightening, and thunder…peaceful yet mighty and powerful.
The rain continued. Danielle was keeping tabs on the weather. She let us know we were also under a tornado warning.
How do you communicate with others when you are at a silent retreat? Good old fashioned paper, pen, and the passing of notes.
And even though torrential storms surrounded us, I never felt fear. Instead, I felt like God had tucked me under His wing. He was taking care of us. And I knew that this was a special time with Him.
What does it mean to spend uninterrupted time with God? What do you do with the time?
Ask God to lead the way. What do you feel prompted to do after you’ve asked God to lead the way?
- Read your Bible
- Read a book
- Color
- Sit
- Walk
- Knit
- Cross Stitch
- Pray
- Journal
- Rest
- Something else?
There are many things you could do during silent time with God. The important thing is to ask Him and let Him lead.
Don’t come into silence with an agenda of what you want to do or get done. Let Him lead the way.
Both times I’ve attended Awaken Silent Retreats, God has brought my attention to His beautiful creation. I’m not an outdoorsy type usually. I think this is God’s way of slowing me down, bringing me into being present, and reminding me of who’s I am.
There’s more of my Silent Retreat experience to unpack. Stay tuned for next week’s installment!