(4) Sheldon Retreat

"Slow down, you move too fast"

"Take time, make time, to LISTEN"

Wow, what a beautiful place in rural Devon. What a privilege to be here on my own, just to talk with and connect with God - in my own way and my own time. Food provided in my fridge, lovely walks and an ART SHED!!

Although being on my own was strange, and there wasn't much to do, it was good to have time and space. I spent A LOT of time in the art shed, where there were lots of things to play with, and I did a lot of 'process and prayer multimedia art work' (not to stick on wall, just a creative processing exploration for me!)

It was a beautiful place to go for walks. Lots of bird song and swifts flying around. I even went out at night to see the stars ...and the bats!

What might God be saying?

I've been reading a book called 'Even the Sparrow' by Jill Weber,

subtitled 'A pilgrim's guide to Prayer, Trust and Following the Leader'.

It's been good to read a chapter, with some questions and a prayer at the end.

All sorts of things have come to mind, with many thoughts and prayers.

One of the main things being take time to listen to God.

There was a labyrinth which I walked, and I was really tempted to cut corners and make it a quicker process! But God was reminding me to slow down and take time, and appreciate some ideas from the past!

This slowing down and giving time is definitely part of what I'm [trying to] learn this Sabbatical!