A few weeks ago The Transforming Center Ministry Community went on a retreat with the book Invitation to Retreat. The invitations are winsome and powerful. Chapter Ten, Finding Spiritual Freedom, was the invitation for me (Clare.)
In Chapter Ten, Ruth writes, “While on retreat, I was taken by surprise when a spiritual director raised the issue of spiritual freedom as I talked about the unworkable nature of my life and its demands.” I stopped right there. These words had me drop in the depths of my soul and feel my unfreedom.
Letting go of work and receiving “the gift and necessity of time away with God” (the book’s subtitle) has saved my life more than once.
I confess that when my life is on autopilot, I am the performance-oriented achiever type (Three on the Enneagram, Chapter Seven.) My need to pay attention to that reality, that compulsion, truly an addiction, began about fifteen years ago at the Transforming Center. I was unaware that my need for approval and affection was driving my late night, early morning, work till I drop days. Putting my head on the pillow with Ruth’s invitation (Chapter Two) to “Just Flop Down” helped recover my life.
You’d think that after years of practicing the invitation to retreat I wouldn’t be surprised to discover unfreedom on retreat, but I am, and I’m grateful.
Last night, while in my own bedroom, I read Chapter Eleven “Remember the Signs.” I looked past my book, journal, and candle, and saw my grandsons tennis shoes and other things that were out of order. Finding retreat space in my “ordinary” life helped me remember the signs I received while on retreat. I didn’t pick up the shoes or move into work mode. I stayed with the shoes, felt the gratitude and invitations in my real, very messy, never finished life. Once again, Ruth’s writing faithfully guides my soul into rest and action.
Whether you’ve been a person practicing retreat for years or brand new to the idea, this book is a treasure trove both on retreat and in your ordinary messy life. Ruth Haley Barton has done it again!
PS If you’re a pastor or Christian leader or influencer, visit the Transforming Center Website and discover the Transforming Center and all of the TC Resources that will strengthen the soul of your leadership.