6 Lessons About Retreat That Will Ease Your Nerves

CNC women are going to Retreat June 11-13, 2010. We’ll be preparing our homes, work, family and friends for the weekend away. Some women will also be preparing their hearts.  Hopefully one or two of these lessons will help you go to this Retreat more prepared and with less anxiety.

1. Retreats can be scary. I thought I was the only person who was afraid to go on a retreat. But after talking to the ladies, I learned that quite a few were nervous. Our reasons were all different, but most were based on fear. I am so glad I didn’t let my fears convince me to stay home.

2. I don’t have to do everything. We were encouraged to take care of ourselves. If I felt the need for some alone time, that was okay. I could stay in my room or take a walk during a scheduled event or free time. I just  let someone know my whereabouts, when I went out alone.

3. Don’t expect perfection. Something always goes wrong… It could be the food, an irritating personality, hurt feelings, lumpy bed, etc.  Sometimes I didn’t agree with everything the speaker said. Even though things go wrong, when I focus on God and what He has to teach me, all the little difficulties are by far worth it.

4.  It’s a great opportunity to build relationships. With my busy schedule, there’s never enough time to devote to friends. At retreat, I have time to do just that! Retreat is a great time to develop and nurture a strong network of healthy relationships.

5.  The schedule had a good balance. We didn’t spend all our time in meetings. There were four sessions which included music, instruction, and group time. I loved the Saturday free time (about four hours). I was able to have alone time AND girlfriend time. The weekend schedule was just right for me. See #2.

6.  Sessions were respectful. At my first retreat I was afraid that I would be embarrassed by my lack of knowledge. But it was a groundless fear. The teachings and the discussions were respectful and allowed me to participate as I was comfortable.

Note From the Retreat Team: Whether or not this is your first retreat, it is our prayer that you see God in a new and powerful way. May you build friendships that last a lifetime. May you see Him in your life story and that the things you learn will help light your path.

Hat Tip: I’d like to thank Denise Drake for editing this piece.

Your Turn – – – What are some lessons you’ve learned that have prepared you to better enjoy retreats?

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• 4 Assessments To Make Retreats More Meaningful
• Journal Exercise to Complete Before Retreat
• Journal Exercise to Complete at the End of Retreat