When I was a teenager, the experience of Catholic retreat basically changed my life. I wasn’t lost or hurting, but the 3 days placed me on a path that led to where I am today. Certainly, my experiences of faith before and after that weekend also played a role in the person I have become. However, the power of God I felt in that short period of time had such a profound effect on me it became a type of lens through which I then came to see the rest of my life.

Sometimes we need to get away from it all to realize what really matters in life. We step back and see things more clearly. When we are fully in the world it is hard to get past the busyness and constant noise of modern existence. Distractions are all around us and our attention span can be so limited when it comes to truth.

This Lent, find the time to slow down, to get away from it all, and to rest in the peaceful arms of God. Go to the desert and work on surrendering all you are, and have, and will be to Jesus. Reflect on the many gifts you have been given and discern the best ways to cultivate those for God’s glory. As this season begins, be mindful of the fact that this time will never come again. There might be a Lenten season next year, but God is calling you now.

-Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS