Another Ichthus, another time of reflection. The retreat seemed strange in that the messages themselves were very practical. The truths seemed simple enough to apply, but in reality, with a sinful nature, it's not easy! Some of the things I learned include:
*I've got to stop being so selfish! It's disgusting how everything I do is typically motivated by ME. I don't consider others as more important very often and that's got to change! And, what are the odds, I actually feel more joyful when I do that... hmm...
*I have an amazing opportunity to be a spiritual impact, especially at school, but I'm way too focused on the next sports game, or a grade on a test, or "hangin'" with my close friends. Why don't I take the time to invest in others' lives and ask them what they believe or what they need prayer for? Hey, whad'ya know, that problem is also rooted in selfishness...
*I need to find my curiosity again. To explain, new believers are often very excited to learn as much as they can about God. They are constantly asking questions, pondering who Christ is, and want to have Christian fellowship every second. I am so used to being in a wonderful church/school environment, that I think I subconsciously assume I know all there is to know, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I want the child-like enthusiasm + adult wisdom that comes from loving God and studying His Word!
*I also loved getting counsel and just listening to many of the adults that went. I never get to really talk with the Bowers or Higgins that much, and it's such a blessing when I can. Even short conversations help me gain the right perspective on things or understand what it's like to have more of a passion for truth.
I could say much more, but I can't wait to clean up from the trip and marinate on more of what God was teaching me. As for fun times, I loved getting to know my small group better, swimming early in the morning, balancing on logs, and whispering late into the night with Kim and Esther. In closing I will leave you with a poem (amazingly enough I wrote one that didn't have a rhyme scheme. I guess it's more of a prose, then) that I wrote while sitting on a log at the beach at 5:50 am Friday morning:
Each house at the water's edge is aglow with the shine of a rising sun.
The water, still and clear as glass reflects each color brilliantly.
A soft cry in the distance, almost as a wolf, but perhaps a bird, opens my ears to the many other sounds.
Crows heartily fight for the right of a breaded snack.
A tiny sparrow rustles the leaves of a berried bush and hops to the water's edge to splash, then shakes dry.
A ruffling sound from behind tells me the ravens have also joined in the cool bath.
Off in the distance, two ducks begin the day with a brisk swim.
The waves near my feet begin to pick up their journey speed as a boat and waterski cause a powerful reaction.
Small ripples from tiny fish and insects appear constantly, though far apart from their twins.
Tiny rocks line the shore, half wet, half dry.
With blue sky above and golden waves below, I wish it would last forever.
But, praising our King is not limited to being through such magificence.
It is a beautiful, peaceful morning as the world comes alive to give glory to its Creator.
