Last year during the early part of the month of September I was standing at the arrivals terminal welcoming these men on the picture above with me as well as several others to Israel with a big hug. My heart as I sat waiting at the hall was tenderly excited as I would imagine somehow knew what laid ahead for us all the following ten days.
Ten days later after they had all gone I drove by the hotel in Jerusalem where we had spent our last four nights. I was tired after four full days of work at The Feast of Tabernacles which took place straight after the retreat. My body ached from standing most of the day. My emotions in need of recovering from giving non stop. Yet, as I passed the building I felt within me laughter, excitement, peace, stillness, pain, tears, and freedom all at the same time. I realized then that the impact of what we lived together was only at the beginning stage and like a photo, those 10 days, though small in size in the scheme of things had captured a permanent space in time that was sown into each of our hearts.
I suspect that like a photo, every time it is recalled, it will go on impacting us for the remainder of our days. I know for myself each time I will visit this imprint on my heart I will smile, cry, and celebrate. With each time I will discover yet again a little bit more about whom I truly am as this is what real community is designed to do – sharpen us a little bit more every time we find ourselves, whether live or in thought, within that space!
I am looking to run another one of these life changing 10 day retreats this coming April 4-13. I still have some of the 16 places available for the trip open. Interested in joining me? Please go to www.uncommonspiritualretreats.com where you will be able to get more information. (Discounts available for group bookings)
I hope to see you at the arrivals hall this coming April!
-pablo-
Photo by Michael Robison
