A Word From Ailsa
News & Views † February 1, 2012

Imagine the sense of God’s peace that you sometimes get in worship in a moment of silence or when soft music is playing and you are in prayer before coming to the communion table. Imagine those rare but much desired moments sitting on your back porch or walking the beach when you sensed a oneness and gratitude for the presence of God in all creation. Imagine those blessed moments with trusted friends that erupt in laughter and thankfulness for those people with whom you share many stories and history.

Those were my experiences last week while on retreat. I spent Sunday night and Monday with my Pastor as Spiritual Guide group at Avila retreat Center in Durham. We prayed and worshipped together and we listened to each other talk a little about our current journey of the spiritual life. None of us are scientists but we did talk some about the new discoveries of the expanding of our universe and what that means for our understanding of God. Tuesday and Wednesday I spent time in prayer and thought about preaching themes for April and May and took some time to walk the Labyrinth at Avila. I also began planning a 7-week series on the book of Philippians which is our focus scripture for our congregational "sabbatical time" this spring and summer. On Thursday and Friday I was at Cedar Cross retreat with two Disciples pastors. We had read a book entitled "Listening for the Heartbeat of God" and we not only discussed that and other things we are reading, but we also talked about pastoral leadership and we laughed a lot! Cedar Cross also has outdoor prayer walking spaces and the weather was conducive to being outdoors most of the time. Saturday was a catch up day and Sunday I worshipped at New Hope Baptist Church in Raleigh where a college friend is pastor. And that afternoon I met a special Board chair appointed team of six of our members at a Disciples of Christ congregational leadership event called DARE to Lead held in Greenville.

This morning I am very aware of the importance and blessing of times of stepping out of routine, stress, busyness and stepping toward God and God’s presence. We all need those times. As I walked out of the house I was reminded that the birds I hear chirping, the bright blue morning sky, the breeze I feel on my face, the trees I pass while driving to the church, are the same "God filled" spaces and moments I noticed in peaceful retreat settings. They are still God’s creation and when I listen, God speaks just as clearly here as at Avila or Cedar Cross. And so as the thoughts and feelings are going through my mind to prepare for the day, what a joy it is to know that every place and every moment is where God is present and speaking. See you Sunday.