For I [fully] satisfy the weary soul, and I replenish every languishing and sorrowful person. —Jeremiah 31:25
I spent four days this week working, resting, and resetting in a tiny bit of heaven—between water and trees—at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama.
I resisted this work “retreat” because it was…well…more work, and I already had a long list of tasks that wouldn’t get done if I spent time there. My internal tantrums were driving me nuts, so I took a moment to whisper a prayer and ask God to help me change my attitude.
By the last morning, I had to apologize to God for my earlier grumbling. The mornings were work-intensive, but fun and interactive, which is my preferred method of collaborating. I am not a fan of long, long meetings, but I don’t mind getting down to business and doing the work.
Thanks to careful planning, this was the first time (for me) a “work retreat” actually felt like a retreat. I enjoyed the morning meditations, spiritual gems dropped throughout the sessions, the time spent in work groups, and getting to know my brilliant colleagues in a different way.
Most of our afternoons were spent in leisure and recreation, so I was even able to work some of the “long list” referenced earlier.
It rained most of our time there–offering a soothing, steadying rhythm, perfect for the contemplative soul. However, the weather did not hinder encounters with nature. I was able to participate in a two-mile nature hike, deer watch (deer post coming soon), and enjoy the sweet tweets of baby birds as I walked the breezeway from my room to meeting spaces.
I had time to sit, write, and think on a balcony with a gorgeous view of Wheeler Lake and time to spend with Sylvia G, one of my dearest friends who has known me since I was a child!
I did not realize the full impact of limited movement for 15 consecutive months on my mental and emotional state until I was able to spend significant time away from my home and campus. My being positioned between all that luscious nature offered the respite I needed to clear some of the cobwebs and move some thoughts forward.
If you know just a little about me, you know I find in trees my most experienced counselors. You also may know that something stirs excitedly inside this NOLA girl–who grew up down the street from the Mississippi River–whenever I am near any body of water.
I’ve been languishing [see previous post]. Of course, the retreat was not planned for me, but God knew I needed a strong dose of therapy, that I needed to be situated between water and trees to truly rest, reset, and hear His voice clearly.
He always delivers, even when I’m standing in my own way.
I am joining Parul Thakur for #ThursdayTreeLove every second and fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her latest #treelove post.
Pics and Posts 
Thank you for your reflections Dr. Chandra. I am grateful that the time spent was vitalizing for you and yours. My mother loved you and always talked about that “smart girl” named Chandra. Now I get to know her and to be blessed by her gift for words and thought. Be blessed and please know that you are deeply appreciated by your colleagues. And thank you for your sacrificial service.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww…I remember your mom fondly. Thank you for these kind words, Dr. Pollard.
LikeLike
So thankful that you had this retreat, Chandra! And grateful for your water/tree respite. 🙂
Happy for you! Amen! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…thanks, Sheila. I’m hoping it did enough good so that I can get back to my snail mail love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s perfect. I wish I could have one of those on my own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Praying you get to “retreat” soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙏🏾
LikeLike
Thank you for this glimpse of refreshment. Trees and water are the best for rejuvenating!
LikeLike
Wow! That’s looks like a truly healing retreat. Who said work and leisure cannot go together? Jokes apart, this is a wonderful post in this pandemic.
LikeLike
I am glad you were able to step out, be in nature and be that NOLA girl again. I loved that image that you shared and that you were able to get rid of the cobwebs. For an introvert like me, I also need time with myself the most to feel myself again.
Thanks for checking in, sending love and joining. I am happy to have you around. Thank you! See you tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, that alone time is precious and necessary. I’m in, of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To be in nature in any stressful time (especially these times) is what we need, and you took some lovely pictures – especially the first one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!! Yes, nature and more nature…cure for many ills.
LikeLike
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person