About 10 years ago several friends invited me on a silent retreat. I laughed at first and said, “I cannot do that. Be silent for a whole weekend, no way!” Anyone who knows me, knows I like to engage and talk with others. But they encouraged me and said join us. I thought if they can do this then I can do this.
If you have not ever been on a silent retreat, may I suggest you do so. Being silent for a few days is life changing. When I say silent, I mean no talking to others at any point even during meals. It means turning off all electronic devices, so your thoughts are not disturbed. We were in a small South Georgia town with little cell service so the no device part was easy.
Those few days were life changing for me. Silence allowed God to show up to me in so many ways. He guided my thoughts the whole weekend. What do I mean by that? I spent a good bit of my time in prayer and reflection. I allowed myself to talk to God and then be silent to hear his guidance for me. During this time, he unveiled such peace to my soul, such clarity on my life.
My last retreat was during the fall season. So, the leaves were turning colors and falling. As the leaves were falling in front of me, I understood that I need to shed my ‘leaves’. My 'leaves' are past decades of habits, thoughts, and traits. Once I let those old ways go, I can be renewed. This helped me realize that I am a continuous work in progress, as a child of God. And he wants me to let go of those habits, thoughts and traits that hold me back from being the person he made me to be. I was reminded that Fall comes every year and so do our seasons of shedding old thoughts and habits to become better, stronger, and happier humans.
If you can’t take a weekend away, try a silent retreat at your house. Take 30 minutes every day and do not talk with anyone, do not turn on any electronic devices. Use that time to take a walk in nature, or sit on your porch looking at your yard. If you allow it, you can be in the presence of God and appreciate his blessings and his love. Who knows, maybe he will also reveal something to you...if you let him.