The God in Nature Holiday Retreat

This Sunday has been a much needed day of rest after a
wonderful God in Nature Holiday Retreat here at the Open
Gate on Holy Island, England. Even though I am a volun-
teer here for the summer, I was involved with the team
that set up a substantial program for the week. I was avail-
able for pastoral care and spiritual direction for the eight
guests participating in the retreat. I served with Graham,
the warden of the Open Gate and co-leader of the retreat;
Carol, the hostess of the Open Gate who made sure every-
body and everything was taken care of; and Paul, who came
from a college in the midlands of England to co-lead the re-
treat with Graham. Paul combines a lively faith in Jesus
with a love and knowledge of nature and a skill in painting.
Our eight guests included people from all over England. It
was a fun group of people!

During the weekdays our pattern was this (everything was
optional): 8:00, Morning Prayer and Communion; 8:40,
Breakfast; 9:45, Morning activity; 12:00, Mid-day Prayer;
12:45, lunch; an afternoon activity; 5:30, Evening Prayer;
6:30, Supper; 7:45, an Evening group time; and 9:00 Night
Prayer. The table conversations at the meals were rich.
Even though I was assigned to do the washing up, my team
members often filled in for me when they saw me engaged
in conversation with one of the guests. I appreciated that!

The whole point of the retreat was to learn to be more at-
tentive to natue in order to become more attentive to God
and to one's self. We marveled at the beauty of nature, drew
closer to God, and enjoyed the presence of one another. God
was definitely present and at work in our lives! Some signifi-
cant healing took place among several of the people on the re-
treat.

There were planned activities that took us out into nature.
We examined the geology of the island; learned about the
flowers, grasses, and plants of the area; explored the coastal
shore of Holy Island; experimented with painting seascapes,
studied how sand dunes are formed; took a boat out to the
Inner Farne Islands to experience their bird paradise; walked
the Pilgrims' Way across the tidal flats (at low tide!); and mar-
velled at the spectacular beauty of St. Abb's Head in Scotland.
We tested one another in our ability to identify birds, flowers,
and geological features. I can only say that I became increas-
ingly attentive to nature, God, and myself as a result of the
retreat. It was wonderful!

Yesterday, Saturday, we said goodbye to new friends and
companions of a special time. But as soon as the last person
left, Graham, Carol, and I began preparing for guests who
would be arriving Saturday afternoon and Sunday. It is nev-
er ending. But we worked hard to make things ready so
that we could rest on Sunday and go to church. It truly has
been a blessed day of rest.

May you have a truly blessed day of rest as well.

Blessings to you and yours,