Retreat to Advance

After a long, full, intelligent discussion on a variety of beliefs and points of view, I feel quite good. First and foremost, it has allowed me to express some thoughts which have been left neglected. Beyond that, it has sparked a sort of introspection that is essential to intelligent thought. Finally, it has new thoughts emerging out of a process of fusion and incorporation of the collective ideas of my peers. To sum it all up, I have had an enlightening, fulfilling past few days.

Why is it that in order to advance ourselves beyond our stubborn, stagnant, unchanging ideas; beyond these major self-made obstacles, we must retreat? In any case, a removal from society was absolutely the solution for me this weekend. It wasn't an event put on for me in any way, yet with an event such as this retreat there are none who may not gain from the experience. It was my first time leading a group of guys in an intentional, deep capacity. It was my first time hearing and sharing with others so openly and honestly. It was a successful application of all I've been called to do as a leader and a follower of Christ; it was an experience of the greatness of God.

Beyond the retreat, there was a lengthy discussion had last night about a wide variety of beliefs and positions that may be held within the Christian faith. This was eye opening as it allowed a room of like-minded followers of God to experience the many different points of view that may be maintained all from under one roof. My brothers and sisters all had such similarities while maintaining their unique positions. These sorts of discussions make you thankful for the people you've been blessed to be surrounded by. They make you feel secure and safe. Even through our disagreements and differences of opinion, there was love, compassion and intrigue as we shared our opinions. Our speculation may have all been for naught in terms of practical application, but it was a refreshing, unity building experience to go through.

Yet, the question becomes, "now what?” I've had these amazing experiences in which I have felt the presence of God flowing through the kindness, transperity, honesty and love of my community, but now where do I go from here? The idealist would say I live every day in the attitudes and behaviours of retreat Matthew. The realist perhaps would point out the obstacles to carrying out this behaviour every day in the same way. But as for me, something must continue on this path. No things are built in this way to be abandoned and neglected. These relationships, being carefully constructed with love and intentionality, must be nurtured and maintained. It may have taken a retreat for me to advance beyond my oblivious maintenance of the status quo, but now as I return to life I mustn't falter in my advance. Those of you who need discussion, prayer, or just interaction, I want to be there as a source of comfort. This is the direction; this is the goal; maintenance and growth through the support of community.