{Retreat}

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I have been thinking about taking a personal retreat since shortly after Elijah was born. I was so sleep deprived that all I could think about was sleep, glorious sleep. In those early days, I am sure I believed that I was never going to get to a full 8 hours of sleep again. So I told Paul that once I was not pumping anymore I wanted a night away by myself.

Eventually, sleep became more of a regular occurrence in my life. So, the idea of getting away for the sole purpose of sleeping sounded a bit crazy. But, I really liked the idea of time way. The more I started thinking about a retreat, the more I realized I wanted a time that purposeful in relaxation and refreshment.

So, in typical Charity fashion, I put together a plan, really a 4 page proposal. I wanted to have something to guide my time away.


In May, I took two nights to stay at a local Bed and Breakfast not too far from home. This was a great way for me to be able to have two nights away at a more affordable price.

So, what did my time away look like?

I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a dear friend.
I slept for 8+ hours each night.
I wrote.
I read.
I walked 3+ miles.
I prayed and read the Bible.
I ate delicious food.
I watched movies.

This time away was very life-giving. I came back home feeling refreshed and encouraged in my role as a wife and mother. I didn’t “do” everything I wanted to, so I look forward to trying this again next year.

And speaking of retreats, I just got home from a women’s retreat with my church. It was a lovely time away at the beach with a great group of women. I enjoyed getting to meet new people, enjoy the sunshine, sing worship songs and work through the book of Ruth. This retreat was more work for me since I took Elijah, but it was still nice to get out of the normal routine and enjoy the intentional time with God and my community.

I am curious, do you retreat? How do you retreat? And if not, how do you recharge? 

2 comments:

  1. Your retreat sounded like a lovely time! It's so important to refresh and rejuvinate, and I love that you made space for that. 4 page proposal - ha! I love you and your brain!!! I've been trying to structure my days at home as kind of an intentional retreat/extended Sabbbath, really focusing in on my physical and spiritual health. I've grown a lot! And I wonder how I'll be able to keep a piece of it alive when and if I can return to work. Perhaps a retreat like this will be the ticket! Love to you!

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    1. Thanks Mel! It was lovely :) I think you are on the right path for Sabbathing at home. It can be easier to get away, but not always sustainable. So how do we find consistent rest week by week! I know I am bad about that!

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