black slate and frolic-worthy fields

It is the Tuesday since the women's retreat. It feels like forever since then, even though it has been a few days. I did not want to leave. What an experience--being surrounded by God's innate beauty, amazing women, and close friends. It truly was a weekend where "retreat" was accomplished.

My favorite part of the weekend was probably the free time we had on Saturday afternoon. We had five glorious hours to explore the trails around the camp and soak in the warm weather and good conversation. Meredith, erne, Whitney, Shelley and I all ventured out to the far trail that no one was going on. Although it wasn't too exciting, we decided to make is so. When the trail ended we chose to keep going, stumbling upon a large field. Taking advantage of this, we all ran across it (don't you always want to do that when you see a beautiful field!?), and in the process I acquired five or so ticks on my legs but this was only a minor setback. We then discovered that the west side of the field ended in a great big bamboo patch and behind that a river. So, we got in the river, and waded around in the frigid waters.

Overall, us ladies spent the whole afternoon together. It was such a blessing. I feel like I have gained two great friends- Whitney and Shelley. And on top of this, God took the afternoon to minister to me as I walked beside green pastures and quiet waters. I was essentially living out Psalm 23 physically and spiritually; God indeed restored my soul. What a beautiful image to be meditating on this scripture while spending the day in God's creation.

posted by *g* @ 9:33 AM