Today is a special day for the Retreat & Conference Center, a day for us to reflect and celebrate! Read this heartfelt reflection from Tessa Newton, our Marketing Manager/Sales Associate to learn about its significance.
One year ago today, the Retreat and Conference Center reopened its doors after our temporary pandemic closure.
If you are a regular reader, you know that we initially closed for eight weeks but those eight weeks gradually drifted into four months. I remember, clearly, getting the notice that we could reopen and the flurry of preparation and anticipation that followed. I remember how happy I felt to be getting back to something that resembled normal but also how uncertain everything was at that time.
Reflecting on that time now, one year later, I find myself with deep emotions bubbling up. I had the same experience on the anniversary of the day we closed for the pandemic on March 18. As I sat with these feelings the other day, I looked back at our blog post from the day we announced our reopening. I had forgotten that I had been the one that contributed the prayer for that post. For our last staff meeting before guests returned, I was asked at the last minute to lead the opening reflection, so I grabbed my handy copy of Jesus Calling and flipped to the date and started reading aloud. This wasn’t just a “God wink” but God shouting down from Heaven that we were loved and supported, and we would be okay. It was exactly what all of us needed to hear in that moment, so I shared it for the blog as well.
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 has been an arduous year. At some points, it has been “light-footed” and others “plodding and heavy”. But here we are, busier every day and seeing smiling faces in the halls!
Thank you for being on this path alongside us.
4 replies on “One Year Ago Today”
This is lovely! I can’t tell you how happy I am that you reopened! I have been coming there for so many years. It means a lot to me. I’m
very grateful to be able to visit and walk on those beautiful sacred grounds. Being able to hold our retreat every year, there is a gift. I look forward to it etc year.
Thank you, everyone who works there. All of you do a wonderful job.
God bless!
Amen we at the Center are so very very grateful to the Lord, for each other and all our wonderful guests who are now once again walking our grounds and hallways. Alleluia!
Although I am just joining the team, I can feel how blessed people have been who have
walked through our doors as well as all who work here. Very lovely sentiments and reflection.
Thank you, Debbie. We’re so happy to have you!