Greetings from Nazareth!
As we have journeyed through April and much of May we have been graced by not only the beauty of nature but the joy of family events, community events and civic activities. Mothers Day and Derby Day here in Kentucky provide us with times of rejoicing, remembering and cherishing loved ones, loved traditions and great memories. So much is in bud. Nature flings it toward us, the trees, the flowers, the warmth and the rain. Let us not forget so much is in bud within us, relationships, memories held, memories to be formed. What inklings, what buds are within you? Can you notice?
Paula D'Arcy, an internationally known author and retreat presenter will be with us July 23 - 25, 2010 to lead us through reflection upon the Great Lessons from the Journey. I am so excited to have Paula with us and invite you to join us for this special weekend. As we notice what lessons are in bud for us.
The summer also holds other retreat opportunities. If you are interested in the arts, I invite you to our Artist Retreat June 13 - 19. Come drum, paint and tell stories. This is a time to let your inner self out! Come and play!
More recently I have been reading Joan Chittister's book Welcome to the Wisdom of the World in which she shares spiritual insights from five religious traditions. From the traditions of the monastics of the desert Joan asks the question "What does it take to put excitement back into life?" From exploring this question she reflects, "Sometimes the changes are meant not so much to change my life as to stir my soul." (115) What stirrings, what buds are moving about within you?
What does it take to stir your soul? Have you tried a walk in the garden, the noticing of a flower or a tree. How about a nice afternoon nap? For many reading a good book, perhaps one on meditation or one on service will stir the soul. I think if we simply develop the practice of noticing so much will bud forth for us. Do we really notice life, life within and among us, life around us? There is so much gift in the unfolding of God's creative act of love within the universe, within a tiny cell, within the tiny voice in one's heart. Do we notice? Can we take a moment to take a breath and simply notice?
To notice, we may need to slow down. We may need to value ourselves. We may need some time apart. Don't miss the gift of now.
So I invite you to join us here at Nazareth Retreat Center for a day, a weekend or longer. Come walk our grounds, visit with us and notice the gift of now.
