Quiet Waters
Dear Hope Church Family,
The Lord is my shepherd.
If you’re anything like me, it feels like I’m often lacking many of the good things King David sung about in Psalm 23. Things like rest and stillness. At the same time, things that I wish I was lacking, I find all around me—all sorts of things that assail us while living life in the valley of the shadow.
That’s why I’m so looking forward to the women’s retreat at the end of October! There, in the fields, mountains and streams surrounding our retreat location, Irene Sun will take us on a deep dive into Psalm 23.
No matter what our topics have been over the years, I’ve left every Hope women’s retreat with my soul restored—including before I was even a member (So, yes, invite a friend!).
I love fellowshipping with so many women of different ages and stages (and service times). Even when—as the deepest of introverts—my stomach hitches at the prospect of small group time with new people, I always—without fail—leave encouraged. I find myself seen and heard in unexpected ways. And I have the privilege of providing that for other women—even if it’s the first time I’ve met them.
Let me also say that, unlike many ‘retreats,’ we really are able to rest and be refreshed. The conference center director actually commented after our last retreat that she’d never seen a women’s retreat that gave women this much unscheduled time throughout weekend.
What did we do during that unscheduled time, you ask? Hiking, napping, shopping in a nearby town, yoga-ing (which involved laughing at ourselves together!). As for me, I found myself sitting on the floor making new friends after yoga. We had time to linger and gab for more than an hour—with a baby or two lying on the floor right alongside us. I got to really know and laugh with women that, until then, I’d only smiled at from a distance on Sunday mornings. Finally, let’s not forget the nighttime bonfire, complete with smores!
The Hope women’s retreat is such a unique, intentional opportunity to learn more about ourselves, one another, and our true Shepherd.
So please come! Bring whatever you’re holding onto these days—hopes, joys, fears, questions, and—yes—even your fussy infants! I look forward to spending time with you in the mountains as we rest and grow and worship together.
Tammy Priest