Listening

In yesterdays post, I talked about all the “coincidences” shouting out to me. My friend Jan commented that sometimes coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous. Another blog follower said,” someone is always talking. The question is, “Are we listening?”

While I am at a retreat center, my time has been busy with a writer’s workshop and silly as this may seem, writing. Yesterday we were to spend an hour after lunch walking, observing, and NOT talking to anyone. I actually loved that hour. I felt a sense of peace and calm that I have not experienced for a while.

My friend Joan posts a picture on her blog almost every Sunday morning that is called, “In Lieu of Church.” Since I am out of town and will not be attending my church this morning, I decided to follow her lead. Here is the picture of “my church” this morning.

I got up early and headed to the top of the Wildlife Sanctuary on the property here. I decided to take the Prayer Path. It is a ¼-mile path with stations for prayer and a booklet for a guide. In less than an hour, I experienced a huge range of emotions.

At first, I was fearful. That seems true in my life quite often. What is a snake bit me or one of the black bears came along or what if??? I decided to push. As I walked, I experience the peace and calm I felt yesterday. Towards the end of the path, there is a small bridge with a stream passing underneath. The power of the water pushing around rocks and fallen trees reminded me of the power of God in my life.

I had hoped for a great revelation, perhaps a burning bush experience. Although that didn’t happen, I did come away with a sense of purpose and direction. I may miss church today but I think God welcomed the time shared in the woods. Yes, I am listening and I am excited to see what comes next.