SUMMER REFLECTIVE DAY RETREAT

While waiting for six women to arrive at Prairie Pond Woods this past Saturday for the Summer Reflective Retreat, I watched the sky blacken and the clouds move rapidly from the south and thought, "OK...I've never had a retreat rained out like this before...what is Plan B going to be?"  On top of this...the meteorolo-jests (as I've come to affectionately call them) were forecasting 92 degrees by the afternoon and high humidity! 

But the wind calmed a bit and it looked like the clouds were going to go right on by, until we were all finally gathered on the front porch for introductions and a poetry reading, then the clouds let go.  But with an ever so gentle shower.  I asked the ladies if they were game.  They were.  So we headed out!  I nicknamed them The Fritillary Group, because those were the only butterflies that braved the rain to nectar on butterflyweed or flutter about exploring the scent on the wind.  

And not only did the rain not deter these women, neither did the heat!  After lunch, most of them packed up their journals and water bottles and headed off to their favorite spots, picked out during our morning walk.  I was more than impressed!  

Later in the afternoon, when even the Fence Lizards were lounging in cooler micro-climates, we crafted Prayer Cards, sharing from our hearts why we chose these people or situations to pray for.  Spiritual connections were made.  New friends were made.  And the day ended all too soon.