Last week, I pondered whether I say “yes” to too many things, wondering what I should eliminate from my schedule. The comments I received – mostly via email so you aren’t able to see them – were a mixed bag. The jury is still out and I’ve received valuable input from every possible viewpoint.
Today, however, I am pleasantly tired after a weekend commitment that I’m so thankful I didn’t refuse.
I spent all weekend with about 50-ish Appalachian State students at a beautiful retreat center in Tennessee. Probably the most fun part for me was to reconnect with two of the women I knew overseas – one who was on staff in Croatia and another who was in Slovakia for a yearlong Stint, now married to someone from my tiny hometown. Since we stayed in separate cottages, Steve was able to come along, meet my friends, and crash a girls-only weekend. (I think the girls loved having him, and he was mostly reading or hiking by himself.)
The theme for the retreat was “Dream” and every detail was well-choreographed to aid discussion, build community, and contribute to a dream-come-true weekend. I got to tag along as the speaker. I gave three talks about discovering God’s dreams for your life; living the dream when life gets mundane or downright difficult; and keeping the dream alive. Beforehand, I was a little nervous about speaking to a group of women I didn’t know, but they were all so responsive that I immediately sensed I was speaking to friends. And I loved it!
As soon as I got home, someone called asking me to speak at a weekday women’s luncheon in a different town from the one I work in. The luncheon doesn’t fit with my work schedule but, mostly, it doesn’t fit with the unique experiences and gifts God has given me. I promptly and easily said “no” to that one.
Daily, I trust Him for wisdom to know what to take on and what to leave behind. Some things are just too good to miss out on, and this past weekend is one of those. Words fall short to express the depth of blessing and degree of joy I have after taking part in the retreat. Thank you, App State Cru! Y’all are awesome!
P.S. Don’t Forget! There are only 3 days left to enter the DRAWING for a free book. All you have to do is click to LIKE on We Wait You’s facebook page (and while you’re at it, please like V-am Asteptat’s facebook page). If you like both pages, you’ll double your chances to win! And don’t be afraid if you can’t read Romanian. I can’t write it anymore, so nobody can read that page.