Silver Treat

I awoke to the sound of cawing crows. It was early, the sun was still below the horizon, and a light fog was visible hanging low over the water. Beauty, came to mind. Ever since we had arrived at Devil's lake I had been reminiscing of the time I had spent in Colorado this summer.  What I viewed of course was on a smaller scale, but still breathtaking. The night before myself and a few other's from our group decided to break away from the camp fire chatter and hike up to the top of a ridge that  over looked Devil's lake.  The hike consisted of following a trail through the woods to the base of the hill and then walking up a stone moonlit stairway. Nearing the top we found and decided on a flat open spot that protruded out from the main path.  We settled, unrolled our sleeping bags and retired to a night of star gazing.  Everything was still, not even a breeze stirred. The moon was high and cast a milk sheen that covered most of the stars, which made for only the brightest planets to be visible.  

This moment that I was experiencing on my third year retreat was in quite a contrast to the events prior. Most of the day could be described as an "information download". The RMC Staff poured out new ideas and changes that were going to be implemented in the coming school year. My perspective on this is, "I'm going to live the change and remember the experience", no matter what may happen this year in terms of what I could find myself doing, I believe my experience and memory will always out weight the current struggle. 

The retreat in all was a success. The Lord showed up in the big and the small and I left feeling confident when it comes to my roles and responsibilities this school year.  I had ample time to rest and enjoy the simple things. Whether it be sitting around a fire chatting, taking a walk through the woods or laying in my sleeping bag starring out over a silver shimmering lake.