All I heard was the wind blowing through the trees and clumps of snow from the limbs making an occasional smoosh sound as it plopped onto the snowy ground below. The bike trail was deserted except for the solitary person walking in the fog – me. I hadn’t ventured out like this for years. Life was simpler then. There was no cell service here but the frustrations, agendas, questions, thoughts even my earnest attempts at prayer all made noise and competed for my attention. With each smoosh, smoosh, smoosh of snow one by one the distractions were hushed and I found the silence I knew God had promised I’d find on this winter getaway.
WINTER GETAWAYS DISRUPT – YOU NEED THAT
What’s your stress level these days? How does your body feel physically? Do you find yourself being depleted even though you may be eating well, staying relatively active and getting adequate rest? Maybe the transition to the new year is once again causing you to think about where your future is headed even though you’ve been working incredibly hard to get there. We all need to press the reset button, pursue God and passionately desire for His Spirit to disrupt what we’re doing, who we are, how we think, what we prioritize — everything! THIS is how God rejuvenates our body and spirit.
WINTER GETAWAYS CAN AND SHOULD HAPPEN – HERE’S HOW
Determine how much time you will allow for your retreat. We recommend 5 days which builds into the schedule a day on each end for travel etc. thus giving you 3 solid days. BUT – you have to decide how much time you’ll take and then make the commitment to do it.
Imagine and list what all you want to do. It may be something new or something you simply really like to do but haven’t been able to do lately. Whatever you consider doing, be sure you determine to make and keep Christ central to your winter getaway. Prioritize the list and remember you don’t have to do everything on it.
Consider no more than 3 places where you want to go for your winter getaway. Then based on the criteria you set (cost, distance, availability, amenities, and even the overall general culture or feel of the place book your winter getaway destination. It could be a distant and exotic location or a place near where you live.
Taking time for God to rejuvenate your body and spirit is a big deal. Give it the importance it deserves. If someone is going with you plan accordingly so that you can retreat together but also have alone time. An important part of your winter getaway should be doing a more comprehensive and thorough recovery. We’ve identified 6 recovery tools that expand the scope of recovery.
POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW AND SHARE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR WINTER GETAWAY.
SOME PLACES WE RECOMMEND:
A local day spa that can work with you to package services, meals and more and provide an accommodating and quiet private space.
A nearby state park.
A resort with adequate amenities and services.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES:
- Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
- Canaan Valley State Resort Park, West Virginia
- Estes Park, Colorado
- LaCampagne Ministries, Indiana
COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR YOUR WINTER GETAWAY.
