Birthday Retreat

Today is my birthday, and six weeks ago I was considering celebrating it in New York City. In light of current events, i.e. Hurricane Irene, try to imagine what that would have been like.

The Lord knew back then that I needed to be somewhere else, and for reasons that I couldn't explain, decided to find a quiet getaway in a part of Colorado that I hadn't seen. My internet search brought me to the E Z Yoke Christian Retreat just outside Beulah, Colorado. The property is located by San Isabel National Forest and is owned/operated by a retired couple who used to live in Boulder.

There are 16 beds, including a fireplace, living room, basement, and a huge loft with a library. What's even more hilarious is I just happened to show up on a weekend when no one else was here besides the owners. I had a 8-bedroom house with a kitchen all to myself. Just the heavenly environment an introvert craves.

My first desire was to romp in the outdoors, so I hit a not-so-groomed trail in back of the property. The resident dogs followed me and led me to the their favorite spots. I had a few slips and scratches, no biggie. But when I quit following the dogs, I got lost (spiritual lesson there?). One of the pooches stayed by my side while I struggled back to the main road and to the retreat. For me that was an exhilirating adventure, but for the poor dog a bit confusing, as she wasn't comfortable being on the road. For her trouble I gave her a hug and big bowl of water when we returned. Don't know if she'll ever trust me again for a hike.

The rest of the evening, I meditated, read, and wrote. I don't remember the last time I sat around, resting. It was wonderful asking God to reveal Himself and give me His perspective. It was fun to go back to my life plan and update future possibilities. It was also an opportunity to pray for others, especially my friends on the East Coast who have been hammered by the 5.8 earthquake and now the 85 mph winds and rain.

This has been a true Sabbath in a place that I'd like to return to. Perhaps I'll bring others with me. Or maybe not. What matters is that this has been a wonderful birthday celebration, filled with the presence of God.