Retreat Reflections
FROM THE DESK OF IELA GALIANO-WILLIAMS
"…to be idle and blessed…" - Mary Oliver
Dear Friends
Last week, I slowed down and stopped at a yellow traffic light just before it turned red.
Some of you might be thinking, “Yes, Iela. That is generally how driving works.” 😂
But here’s why it felt significant.
As I stopped, I noticed something I hadn’t expected: there was no anxious voice in me lamenting that maybe I could have made it through. No thrum of anticipation telling me to be ready to hit the gas the moment the light changed.
Instead, I felt at peace with my pace. I was content to let my toddler keep reading in the backseat.
It felt wonderful, and surprisingly unfamiliar. I realized it had been a while since I’d felt that way, especially in the car.
Fast forward a few days to our PAX cohort facilitator retreat, and I found myself experiencing the same kind of slowing down, the continued reset my nervous system needed.
We gathered for two nights in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where we laughed, listened, ate good food, and soaked in the beauty around us. I left with my cup feeling full, full of gratitude for our team and a ministry that brings me deep joy.
During our time together, Rama said, “It is okay to wake up by slowing down.”
That is exactly what the weekend felt like: a time to wake up to the voice and invitations of God by allowing ourselves to linger, to linger on walks, around tables, and at the whiteboard together.
I left with two takeaways:
1. We are entering this year intentionally and prayerfully.
Our staff is seeking to steward the ministry God has given us with care—to be present in each offering and attentive to each invitation that unfolds.
2. It is important to press pause.
It wasn’t particularly easy for any of us to get away, but oh, am I glad we did.
If you can swing a retreat, take it. If you can stretch your body, go for a walk, or spend five minutes staring at the changing leaves, do it.
We need moments that allow us to step out of the relentless stream of hurry whenever we can.
And may each of us remember that we are working toward this life together with God.
As Ephesians 4:16 reminds us:
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
What is the work you feel called to do with God in your own life?
And where might you invite others in, or remind yourself, that it was never meant to all rest on your shoulders?