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“Take time now to reflect.” he said. “Find a comfortable place and spend time quietly reading the passage until a word or phrase resonates with you. Then stop. Reflect and pray on it.” he continued.
The day was colder than a witch in you-know-what. Being a quart low on spiritualism, this time-out was ideal. A beautiful, warm sanctuary was perfect for the retreat titled ‘Be Still and Know I Am God’. I found a pew with a comfy red pad where I could rest my back against the wall, stretch out my legs and cushion my bum. The leader, Brother Geoffrey, a monk and Superior of The Society of Saint John the Evangelist, said to get comfortable and I was following his directions. I‘m sure God wants us to be comfy. Why else are there chocolate, cashmere and warm places to go in the cold winter?
The passage was Psalm 139. I read it, wondering what words would grab me. My eyes fell upon “search” – that’s not it – “am acquainted with my ways” – nope, not it. “You hem me in.” It hit me between the eyes. “What’s this about?” I wondered.
I don’t like being hemmed in, in a box, conventional ways. Following rules feels constricting. Perhaps that’s why I never had a ‘real’ job working for someone else.
Rules are made for breaking – or pushing, at the least. I love making up my own rules - and following them. I even wrote a book titled Smart Women Make Their Own Rules: the Professional Woman’s Guide to Igniting your Power. Rules are important. Without them the world would be even more chaotic. Can you imagine traffic - during rush hour - at intersections without traffic lights?
Upon reflection I got that I have to be hemmed in by rules- by my own ‘rules’ – the principles my life is lived by. Then I have focus to do the work I’m called to do. To do each task the best I can. To serve where I can. To be served when needed.
“You hem me in.” I get it. Dang! Guess rules are more important that I realized. Ugh.
Brother Geoffrey helped us process the reflections as I said “Geez” over and over again. Finally it was lunchtime, to be done silently, continuing the mode of the Retreat.
The dining hall was large, the food delicious. Silently, politely (after all, we are southern) we nodded to each other, smiled and dined silently. The sounds were cutlery hitting dishes, chairs scraping the floor, footsteps walking across the room …and chatter.
“Who is that idiot talking? Can't she follow the rules? We’re eating in silence. What about silence doesn’t she understand? Is it so hard?” I thought. Then I realized I just bit myself!
Rats! I hate it when I bite myself in the you-know-where.
What happens when you don't have a plan?
The plan for my 2011 goal setting Retreat was basic – a full day set aside to be alone, without distraction. Richmond Hill was the perfect place – secluded, noontime prayer, and silence. Paper, markers, pens, computer and other goodies were ready. When the day was over I would leave with goals set for each month of 2011 to get from here to year’s end with grace, charm, and ease. Well, you gotta have a dream, right?
I picked a large sunny room on the 2nd floor as my home for the day. It felt like the best place to be – surely it was closer to outdoors and God. Watching birds fly, traffic move and hearing trains whistle kept me company (maybe they would inspire me). The brilliant blue sky and bright sun cancelled the bitter outside cold.
In a panic because I was without a single idea of where to start, I took a deep breath and sat quietly. I prayed, asking God to send something – anything.
Soon phrases came so I wrote them down – affirmations like “I can do this. My attitude is positive. Embrace change. Embrace success.” Um, interesting thoughts. More came: “Look farther out and trust that God will get me there. Give up blocks and barriers.”
I made two lists – titled Let Go and Begin. That was truly divine inspiration since I’d never have thought of that one. Phrases and words filled the columns.
Then ideas came. Starting with the end and backing slowly into each month, 2011 unfolded. They were captured randomly on post- it notes, then stuck in place as the plan became clear. I was amazed.
Peace and quiet reigned. Ideas came fast. A large red-tailed hawk flew by at eye level. When the noontime prayer bell rang, the plan was complete! And the theme Hug Change was evolving.
At days’ end, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals had been established. Monthly goals and steps were clear and loose. I have to allow for windfalls and unexpected opportunities to expedite them.
What I had made so hard became easy by being quiet and patient. Juggling book signings, speaking gigs, travel, clients, contracts and my wonderful life are the goal. Hugging Change Boldly is the theme. How it really works may be the next reality show.
I picked a large sunny room on the 2nd floor as my home for the day. It felt like the best place to be – surely it was closer to outdoors and God. Watching birds fly, traffic move and hearing trains whistle kept me company (maybe they would inspire me). The brilliant blue sky and bright sun cancelled the bitter outside cold.
In a panic because I was without a single idea of where to start, I took a deep breath and sat quietly. I prayed, asking God to send something – anything.
Soon phrases came so I wrote them down – affirmations like “I can do this. My attitude is positive. Embrace change. Embrace success.” Um, interesting thoughts. More came: “Look farther out and trust that God will get me there. Give up blocks and barriers.”
I made two lists – titled Let Go and Begin. That was truly divine inspiration since I’d never have thought of that one. Phrases and words filled the columns.
Then ideas came. Starting with the end and backing slowly into each month, 2011 unfolded. They were captured randomly on post- it notes, then stuck in place as the plan became clear. I was amazed.
Peace and quiet reigned. Ideas came fast. A large red-tailed hawk flew by at eye level. When the noontime prayer bell rang, the plan was complete! And the theme Hug Change was evolving.
At days’ end, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals had been established. Monthly goals and steps were clear and loose. I have to allow for windfalls and unexpected opportunities to expedite them.
What I had made so hard became easy by being quiet and patient. Juggling book signings, speaking gigs, travel, clients, contracts and my wonderful life are the goal. Hugging Change Boldly is the theme. How it really works may be the next reality show.
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