retreating, den making. sunshine. silence.

Today I had a retreat day... It happened a bit by accident, but I think it was exactly what I needed. It started with a walk in the sun to the shop to get exciting breakfast ingredients -  I've been off my food this week, so it was catching up time. I bought salmon, eggs and bagels, and headed home to pop the kettle on. An hour and a couple of episodes of Friends later, I'd eaten and was thinking about my plans for the rest of the day. I'd had a tentative plan for the afternoon, which didn't happen, so my next thought was to head into town, find a cafe and hide out there for the afternoon. In the end, however, for a number of reasons, I decided that I would have cafe time at home. What I look for in a cafe is a good thinking space, preferably with a view and some sunlight, big cheap drinks and nobody rushing me on. Having the house to myself today, I decided all of these things could happen at home!

There's a space in our house at the moment that isn't really in use for anything but storage, but it has a big window and is south facing, meaning that on a day like today it is like a sun-filled cave. With a couple of blankets and pillows, laptop and speakers, books, scrapbook and art stuff, I was ready, and I had a cosy little secret den to hide out. I made a pot of tea with a stick of cinnamon steeped in it, and then hid myself away for the remainder of the day. It was amazing.

It's funny how you don't realise how much you need to just stop and be alone until you do it, and then your soul begins to breathe again. Also, there really is nothing like a room filled with sunshine.

The Solitary Relationship

'When you said, 'Seek My face, ' my heart said to You, 'Your Face, Lord, I will seek.' Psalm 27:8

Praise me out of the fulness of your heart. Out of the depths of your soul let your songs arise. For I have dealt bountifully with you; I have blessed you in abundance and have multiplied your joys. I have set you in a safe place; I have covered you with My mercies. Blessed be My Name, for I will surround you with my presence and satisfy your heart with My love.

Never be dismayed, nor allow anxiety to find a nesting place in your thoughts. For you are Mine, and My hand will protect you. I will allow no evil to come to you.

You are my possession. I will brook no rivalry. Rebuke the enemy and he will flee from you. Count upon My care: I cannot fail. He that keeps his confidence in me will never be disappointed.

This is a solitary walk. This abiding place in Me is completely removed from the multitude, it is a place to be shared with no other - not even your dearest friend. This knowing Me in secret is an experience alien to the world. This union with Me is the source of your life, of your strength, of your health and your vitality. Nothing can substitute.

Prayer is good, but prayer cannot substitute for solitary communion. Fellowship is good, but it is not the source of life. Life is in Me, and I can give it to you only in the solitary relationship. Seek that place in Me where no other can intrude. You will find Me there, and in finding Me, you will discover all other lacks fulfilled; for in me there is abundant life, and with me there are only joys forever.'

Frances J. Roberts, Come Away With Me, My Beloved.