Mini-retreat summary

Yesterday I had a "date" with God. I put on my iPod, grabbed my Bible and a notebook and my camera and headed off to Herrick Lake. First I stopped for a lunch to eat. I hit the local deli and got a turkey sandwich, some Sun Chips and a Nantucket Nectar (pomegranate pear! yummy!) I brought that with me to the lake, found a spot to sit and ate.

Worship music pouring in my ear, my eyes started to work on connecting to and praising God. I watched people, and my eyes started to see photographs to take. I was only stalked by one large flying insect, which I swatted away quickly with a napkin and it was the end.

I turned to the Bible. What did God have to say to me? Psalm 27. He gave that to me as a gift. I wrote it out by hand, the whole thing. Then I decided to wander in His wonder. I started to walk and dove into the forest. I found a shelter that someone had made from fallen branches and bark. I wonder who was living in a shelter right off the golf course, if the forest preserve people had found it and if the group of kids in the woods would find it. I wanted to go in it, I wanted to take a picture of it. But no, it was sacred. I would not like it if someone did that to my house. I wanted to cry. I walked away. I didn't want the kids to find it.

I went into a clearing. I took off my sandals and walked and danced in the grass. I NEVER like the way grass feels on my feet, but felt compelled to yesterday, and I loved the way it felt. It felt the way I always wanted it to feel. Soft, comforting. The kids came out of the whole in the brush. A butterfly came by, I chased it for a photo. I only got one. I was in wonder of God.

I ended up on a bench, taking pictures of myself. I laid in the grass and took pictures of the grass. Hello! I laid in the grass! That was huge! And I loved it.

Every single word in this Psalm speaks to me, how does it speak to you?

Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.

7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
9 Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.