I read a lot. Almost compulsively. Actually, I probably have a problem. So, it was no surprise that I was reading a book while attending the Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat in November.
The book was Dr. Albert Rossi’s Becoming a Healing Presence (which I highly recommend!), and one line caused me to pause and reflect:
“We can actively look for treasures during our day, perceive them as gifts from God, lovingly given to us….and see them through eyes of faith.”
Small moments can be seen as gifts from God, treasures in fact, when viewed through a lens of faith.
After reading that line, I began to look for–and find–treasures; I saw the many gifts with which God had lavishly blessed me through the retreat.
Here are just a few of those treasures:
-Dozens of women’s voices joined in chanting beautiful Vespers and Orthros services.
-A silent walk in the snow through the grounds at Antiochian Village, giving time for prayer and introspection.
-Going to the bathroom with no little person immediately knocking on the door saying, “Mom! I need…..”
-A conversation and hug shared with a woman who had just experienced a miscarriage the week before.
-Dinner with a priest’s wife who was able to give a practical look at what life may be like after my husband finishes seminary.
-An absolutely adorable game of peek-a-boo with a baby when I likely should have been listening to a speaker at a session.
-Being simultaneously in tears and in stitches of laughter while listening to Elissa Bjeletich’s talk about finding healthy rhythms in family life.
-Sitting on the steps writing a letter to my saint, under the guidance of Melinda Johnson.
-Going to bed and waking up whenever I wanted to. Oh, that is a true treasure for a mother of little ones!
-An opportunity for the sacrament of Confession in the chapel at Antiochian Village.
-Hearing Nicole Roccas speak with raw honesty about the difficult year that she has had and what God is teaching her through it.
-Laughing with new friends and old while drinking wine around a fire.
Treasures–all of them. I thank God for these and for all of the gifts that He so graciously bestowed upon me and the others who attended the Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat.
But, most of all, I am thankful that I came home rested and refreshed. I felt spiritually renewed, calmed (8 hours of sleep each night didn’t hurt!), and ready to give again to my family, work, and church.
What a beautiful treasure.
P.S. If you are interested in attending the next Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat, tickets and more information are available here. I hope to see you there!
