Retreat Time as Treat Time

I recently went up to the mountains of Colorado for some retreat time. The first morning I was there, I found myself thinking about the word retreat, which I’ve reflected on before. We retreat from work, or volunteer duties, or doing our part for tikkun olam (repairing the world), with the goal of getting closer to God.

I found myself thinking that there’s more to it than that, at least for me. I spend so much time being disciplined—about serving my clients’ needs, getting my exercise, eating nutritiously, cleaning and caring for my new home, checking in with family and friends…all of which are good, and all of which can consume us and wear us out.

What if retreat time is also treat time? What if it includes taking care of myself and giving myself little graces? Some of the treats of this retreat time included doing what I wanted when I wanted, with little regard for the clock or others’ schedules and needs. On a morning when I woke to a light dusting of snow, I bundled myself up and went out with my camera to see what treats nature might provide. I was thinking of snow on aspen pollen fronds and baby pinecones, and I got those images. I also turned around at one point to discover an adolescent moose standing several dozen yards behind me. We watched each other warily, and when it turned to walk the other direction, I slowly followed, being careful to stay far away, and marveled at what I saw as a gift from God—especially since moose have been a favorite animal for me since I was a child.

Here are some other treats I embraced during this retreat time. I worked jigsaw puzzles, which I dare not set up at home, because I’d find it hard to pull myself away and do all those discipline-y things mentioned above! I didn’t make plans for how each day would unfold, but instead listened to myself about what I wanted to do—even if that was just to be, sitting and watching nature outside the window. I found some new trails to hike, giving thanks to God for the marvels of nature. I stood and watched a beaver meander about a pond a twilight.

Another important element of retreat time is the chance to pause and notice the gifts of success in what we have accomplished through all our discipline, rather than immediately setting our sights on the next mountaintop we’re supposed to climb. It’s important to take time to honor the hard work we’ve put in and rest from our labor before we take on whatever’s next.

I know I’ve asked this before, but I’ll do it again. When did you last go on a retreat, or create one for yourself at home? How might you treat yourself to some retreat time, to intentionally connect with Creator and Creation, in the weeks ahead?