Today marks the reopening of our Center to registered guests! The staff have been very 
busy preparing for this day, using the utmost caution when considering the safety of our employees and guests. During a staff meeting before the reopening, we gathered via Zoom to go over some of our last minute plans. As is customary with our meetings, we began with a reflection. Our coworker, Tessa Newton, was assigned this task at the last minute so she grabbed her copy of the devotional book, Jesus Calling, and simply flipped to the reflection for that particular day, based on Psalm 37:23-24 and Psalm 16:11.
From “Jesus Calling”, by Sarah Young
Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance light-footed on the high peaks; but for now your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of life.
It was ironic how poignant the message was considering our journey since the Center’s closure for the pandemic and considering the reopening tasks ahead. I found myself shaking my head and smiling again at how the Holy Spirit works in each of us and also in all of us together as a community here at the Center. It’s something that I frequently comment about with our guests and retreat presenters. They compliment how everything is so meaningful and sometimes even life-changing for them during their stay. Again, I shake my head and smile as they thank me because it is something beyond my control. It is clearly the work of the Spirit during their stay!
In my rush of tasks to be completed before our reopening, this was a powerful reminder. Yes, we have to ensure that all of safety precautions are completed and expectations are met, but the Spirit is still with us in our new tasks, in our new view of ‘normal’ too. With prayers and guidance, we will still be providing a welcoming, sacred space for our guests and we will be guided to ensure everyone’s safety too. I invite you to pursue even the difficult paths, because surely there are sparkling surprises right around the bend. I pray that you are able to take the next step and that this path leads you to the Center soon too!
Blessings,
Jen Murphy, Manager of Retreats & Events
*Please note that our blog will now be moving to postings three times per week, Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We hope that you continue to stay connected to us this way.
3 replies on “Keep Walking with Me”
Prayers that all will be safe during your re-opening with precautions. Thank you for continuing the blog 3 times/week. I have a compromised immune system – so I will not be able to attend any of the events at Bon Secours. I look forward to continuing with the blog.
Today’s prayer/reflection from “Jesus Calling’ was lovely – and was perfect for your Zoom meeting. My husband and I also follow the daily prayers in Sarah Young’s book.
Thank You to Bon Secours in general for providing such a beautiful spiritual haven.
Thank you, Judith! Our prayers are with you, as well!
The daily reflection have been so meaningful! Thank you so much for staying in touch