I have recently returned from an 8 day individually guided silent retreat at St Beuno's in North Wales. It proved to be an amazing adventure enabling deep connection with myself and with God in ways that took me by surprise, provoked more than one internal wrestling match, set my feet a-dancing, and brought me to rest in the loving, life-giving gaze of God. I went in response to what felt like an invitation from God and I am so thankful for all he showed me and all he gave to me. I would not have missed it for the world.I was delighted and encouraged that, as I drew near to St Beuno's at the beginning of my retreat, a beautiful rainbow arced across the sky and, as I drove out of the gateway at the end of my retreat, I was captivated by another beautiful rainbow.
Whilst I travelled my own journey with God through the 8 days there in silence, I was often deeply moved to be alongside others doing the same thing. We did not interact with each other in conventional ways, but precious bonds developed between us nevertheless.
Supper at St Beuno's - In Silence
What an oddly assorted bunch
of munching human beings.
Fellow pilgrims all,
whose wandering paths
have somehow led to
this place
this here
this now.
Every one of us dependent on
food for sustenance
air for breathing
love for living
gathered here from scattered lives
knowing our need of God.
Feeding
sheltering
praying
daring
receiving
unfurling
in this place
this here
this now
God's wondrous gifts of Grace.
