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.
4 comments:
Hey Natalie! It was really fun to get to talk to you and Esther at Icthus! The retreat was a great time of spiritual challenge, and I pray we will apply what we learned to our EVERYday lives! I love you and am praying for you! Good times, good times! :) Thank you for always being there for me! You are a great friend, and I look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to use you in my life these next few years... and even after we are old and grey! :) Love You!
Wow. You just summed up my thoughts. I agree that the preaching was awsome and getting to people better, and you, was lots of fun. Thanks so for being such an encouragement.
Natalie, I also enjoyed relaxing, hearing God's Word taught with such frequency and intensity, and getting to talk with great friends and brothers and sisters like you. Your a great sister and I hope all who attended ICTHUS will practice the Word and train themselves for discipline.
Natalie - know that you encourage me with your smile, committment, and love of others. I'm thankful for you, and sad we only get one more year! Remember that the best memories you will ever take from college or high school are, first, of God's faithfulness and goodness, and second, the meaningful time you invested in serving and loving others. At least, that's true for me! You are a bright light, and I know God will shine through you wherever you go and whatever you do :o).
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