I feel like I've won the lottery! (And I never even bought a ticket!) Yesterday a friend informed me of an opening in a van load of women going to the Abbey of Gethsemani (Trappist, KY) next week. The plan is to spend 5 days there. My husband and I walked the grounds one day a few years ago. I never dreamed I'd have the opportunity to spend an extended time there. God's timing is so awesome. GOD is so awesome.
When I asked my husband about the possibility, he was very supportive in spite of the fact he'd be on his own for a week. I am married to a prince. (The separation from him will be the most difficult part for me. The older I get, the harder it is.) I'll try not to babble on and on about this, and in the coming days I'll be preparing my heart for this experience. I don't want to waste a minute of this privilege. 
Circumstances that seemed barriers to this experience were removed. There are minimal scheduling adjustments. I am SO grateful.
God said to Israel: "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)
So explain exactly what you will be doing for the five days ? spiritual training or just observing the monks or what ? Sounds like a peaceful adventure ! Gina
ReplyDeleteRebecca, I do hope you have a wonderfully
ReplyDeletefulfilling time in His sweet presence,
coming away with a new strength and
purpose in your walk with Him.
Richest blessings,
Sandy
So happy for you dear.
ReplyDeleteGina, It is my understanding that this is just a personal retreat time. Apparently meals and a simple room are provided. I will take my journal, Bible and a few devotional/Christian living books with me. Nature abounds; Gethesemani is in a beautiful location. There are frequent daily times of lauds, vespers, etc. in the chapel. I am not Roman Catholic, but have come to appreciate the opportunities offered and the spiritual disciplines embodied by those whose lives are dedicated to "watch and pray." I have done "quiet retreats" before - none this long. I'll let you know more when I return!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty
ReplyDeleteand quiet of the Lord!
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you! What a great time of spiritual refreshment it should be. Will Gary want some meals while your gone?
ReplyDeleteRebecca, this sounds wonderful. what a gift! I am so excited for you. It's something like what I did when I went to Cincinnati for that writing retreat - the alone part, the quiet reflective part. I treasure that week i spent there and I want to do it again too. blessings on you. i'll be following you. i read, but hadn't gotten the hang of commenting. hope this works!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, despite the time away from Gary I do feel as though this will be a wonderful opportunity for you. I know how much you will miss Gary. When I start to feel really lonely for Jake, I do something that I wouldn't do when he is here. Clean a closet or something! I think that you will be able to have a wonderful spiritual enlightenment there while learning new things to tell Gary! Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteOh I envy you this retrest....a smiple place surrounded by nature....a place to pray, to mediate, spend time in God's word and just to quiet the chatter of your mind. I would love this. I know you will miss Gary but he understands how these few days can feed and fill the holy spirit within....enjoy my friend.
ReplyDelete.........:-) Hugs
I can't wait to hear all about it when you return...what could be better then drawing closer to God?
ReplyDeleteOh, wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an incredible opportunity!!!! I wish I could do something like...I will thoroughly look forward to hearing all about it, Rebecca!! So very happy for you!! Love, Janine XO
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteMay you be filled to overflowing, so that you may share with those around you. May you come to know just how "Love Sick" Jesus is for you. May you face shine with His glory. May you encounter God like you never have before.
Rebecca, I am so overjoyed for you!!! I think you read my blog post a while back where I told of my experiences at retreats at a convent. Let me know by email when you will be going and I will being saying special prayers for you. I just know this will be one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will never forget. I can't imagine 5 days in that environment -- I only had weekends -- but you will never be the same. I'm SO happy for you!! God is so good. If only we could get a grip on His goodness and how much He desires to bless us!
ReplyDeleteenjoy your time with the Creator in His creation...
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place to have a retreat!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice gift from Heaven for you!
And such a nice gift for your husband to be so generous of heart!
When I was in grade school I did a retreat at the Mother House of the Dominican Nuns in Amityville on Long Island, NY, and it was wonderful. It was a beautiful, spiritual journey and I've never forgotten it.
And just a few years ago a few friends and myself went to a big, old, beautiful estate that was run by the Dominican nuns for a day retreat. The grounds and gardens were so peaceful and surrounded by woods, and it was just the perfect place to reflect and pray. Unfortunately the nuns did not have the financial means to keep up the estate no matter how many fund-raisers they held and they were bought out by a group of religious Brothers that now run retreats for men only.
And a side note about the Trappists Monks ~ I know this is going to sound morbid but my husband and I are thinking of purchasing caskets from the Trappist Monks! They are simple and beautiful, and much more affordable than what the local funeral homes have to offer!
Have a wonderful retreat! God Bless all!
Love to you,
Eileen
It doesn't sound morbid to me. The Amish in our community have simple and beautiful caskets as well. They'll craft them to order. We know someone who bought theirs and use it as a storage container until they need it to be buried in! Isn't that interesting????
ReplyDeleteYou will be blessed... a beautiful place in my memories. How I miss the loveliness of my KY home and the soil therein. Can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine