Times of refreshing

Time of refreshing

A new year always brings a sense of new beginnings.  It is a special time, time for change.  

Today is the last day of my weekend retreat at Ngakau Waiora Mercy Spirituality Centre.  I’m here because I’ve been wanting to take a break away from everything.  This place felt like it was just what I needed.  

My New Year’s Day devotional reading was from (Ephesians 2:6) and it says, “God has already raised us into new heights in the spirit but, to understand the joy and power of what God has for us, we must be willing to let go of old trappings.” What do I need to change?  I’m sure the answer/s to that question will come but right now all I wanted to do  was to rest, read my bible, talk to God and to have more rest. 

Psalm 104:30 says, “You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.” (V.30).  God is always restoring and renewing his creation.  This includes God caring for his children also.  Each one of us spend the year serving others through  the use of our time, skills, money and energy during the year.  We pay very little attention to our  own physical and emotional needs.  

We can’t expect to give and give more and not pause to refill or refuel ourselves. We arrive at the beginning of the new year feeling drained and empty.  We know we can’t pour from an empty cup.  We need to be restored and renewed with fresh strength for the journey. 

God has a great sense of humour.  I had a distraction (so that it wasn’t all about me and my wanting to have peace on my own).  I met 84 years old Raquel, from Chile at the Centre - she was the only other person at the units I was staying at.  Raquel spoke Spanish and French and very limited English.  I felt God put Raquel in my path for a reason.  So I got to know Raquel and we had a lot of fun trying to communicate to each other using sign language, writing down words and their translation.  We also prayed for each other.  First, Raquel prayed in Spanish/French and I prayed in English.  We enjoyed a walk to the shops and sharing our meal times together.  I grew to love the time spent with this delightful little lady - and I thank God for the time we  spent together.  The bible says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) I have no doubt God was in the plan!  Oh, and what about those changes?  Well, I think God has all that covered, maybe another time, another weekend retreat🙏The best is yet to come.

I pray that you will let the Lord lead you this year and let it be the best year of your life! 

Happy New Year and God bless you.