The Pearl:
Rest Retreats
An annual retreat for those seeking intentional rest, silence, solitude, contemplation and delight in order to renew their minds, bodies, and spirits.
We want to create the space for that opportunity. Adopting the rhythms and habits of Jesus is to mirror our lives after his. Or rather, to do what he did.
In the gospels we read account after account of how Jesus consistently served others in deeply practical ways. Can you relate to that? He worked hard in his trade as a craftsman, and spent time with his family and friends, as we do. He taught and healed and performed miracles, and yet, we also see him intentionally and regularly withdraw from the crowds and the noise in order to rest his body and mind, and to be with his father, through prayer. Those times of renewal and rest are what equipped him and strengthened him for all that was required of him.
We too, understand that in order to serve others well, we must derive that strength and replenishment from outside of ourselves.
When we take opportunities, as Jesus did, to disengage from the noise and the busyness, we starve the compulsive distractions and are instead, able to nourish our souls by connecting deeply with our Creator. The goal of intentional rest is to be with Him, to pray, and to delight in His love because we trust that his love is the transformational agent in our lives.
The refreshment that comes from time spent in the presence of God is how we are changed and renewed from the inside out, and uniquely prepared to do the good work that we are made to do.