Laughter floated through the darkened skies at the California Hot Springs last spring, as women tried to wring every drop of time from the night to carry it home for another year! Dripping wet, they left damp footprints on the flashlight-lit paths leading to the Southwest-style lodgings. Five months later, a group of Midwest women were late-night hot-tubbing at a wooded southern Minnesota retreat center unaware that they were mirroring their California sisters in Christ!

What did these women have in common, besides being able to go swimming when it wasn’t summer? They were forming relationships, finding common ground in Christ, the giver of the water of life. In a respite from their busy work-world or hectic home life, they were refreshed and gained strength from hearing speakers who encouraged and uplifted them. They were challenged to continue following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Later in the fall near the Canadian border, an intimate group of North Dakota pastors’ wives gathered to spend a weekend together. Savoring coffee, chocolate, and conversations with each other, they appreciated the topic of “Savoring Moments with God.” Back in northern Minnesota a group of Seminary wives had also been enjoying hot chocolate, snacks and other warm drinks to the accompaniment of crisp outdoor smells. The rainy weekend didn’t dampen their spirits, as they played games and visited “into the wee hours, kind of re-living life as it was when we were teenagers!” Their theme, “He is the Potter, I am the Clay,” brought both freedom and food for thought. Both groups experienced the sweetness of our God who creates us, wraps us in the warmth of his love, and envelops us with the fellowship of his family.

It was raining as the Washington and Oregon women arrived at their retreat too, but safe in one building, they were soon as pampered as their theme, “Daughters of the King,” had proclaimed! East Coast women had pampering available at their Tuscarora, Pennsylvania retreat too, through foot spas, massages, manicures and pedicures. What a concrete example of the value and worth God places on us. We are special to the King of Kings! Yet both groups learned that as we grow in him, he desires and enables us to be vulnerable with our sisters, to remove masks, to reach out and help those around us. Many responded to God’s call on their lives. Some began to make specific plans to partner with other churches in mission.

An intimate gathering, an auditorium, a banquet room, or a conference room—the size didn’t matter. Themes like “Come Grow in Me,” “Wardrobe of Joy,” and “Living Inside Out” perhaps drew some. But what I saw and heard from coast to coast this past year was a desire for time away from daily routine. Some were weary of work and ready to play, others were burdened by responsibility and craving a rest. They were refreshed. Many were thirsty for time to develop connections with females in their local church family in a larger retreat setting; others hungry for time to digest meat from God’s Word. They were fed.

But is all the work and preparation you have to do in order to leave home worth it? One working mom said, “Yes! It totally is! More than you can ask or imagine!” These women were valued. They returned home satisfied, with burdens lifted and a greater sense of purpose.

Jesus, with only three years to complete his immense work, still called his own disciples away from daily routine at times. Women today are also finding rest, refreshment, and rejuvenation as they join others to meet with him!

Cheryl Olsen is Information Coordinator for Women’s Ministries of the CLB.

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