It's my first lunar New Year in Asia this year of 2024. What I wanted most was a right start. Thankfully, my sister knew of a silent retreat place called Manresa House on a hill and we got to be there for 3 days. Solitude is essential for our spiritual lives, but yet it is not an easy place to be since all distractions are removed and we come face to face with our grief, pain, insecurities and fears. But if we stay, we will meet there also the One who says, "I love you and I will be with you."
I have heard my sister talked about this place of silent retreat and I was so excited to finally be there in person with her. It was a simple structure of 5 stories on top of a small hill in ChangHua. It was run by two Catholic priests, since silent reflection is an important part of Catholic traditions. There were libraries, sitting rooms, chapels, dining rooms and prayer rooms. There were counseling rooms and services if you need it. Outside was surrounded with greenery and a walking path that led up the hill and 10 stations of the cross for meditation. Our rooms were simple rooms with private bathroom and a twin bed, desk and a drawer. I love the bedroom because it felt simple and peaceful, a place of rest and prayers. I got to also experienced the food provided there. With the price of about $42 per night, they provided 3 square meals a day and free counselling. The food is prepared by a team of creative kitchen staff and mostly homecooked Taiwanese recipes. It was laid out on a long table during mealtimes and the guests are responsible to set their own tables, serve themselves and wash their own dishes after each meal. I cried eating the meals because other than when Mom was still alive, I've not had anyone cooked for me and provided healthy Asian meals without specifying what I wanted. It was like Father God says, "I know what you want and will provide it at the right time, just leave it to Me." Other than checking in at the front desk, guests are expected to be silent at all times, so we do not disturb others from talking with God.
I love this retreat experience, but you can do this on your own with a night of hotel anywhere. I wanted to document and share the process and the questions to ponder during this time of reflection so that next year I could do this again. Overall, the format is as follows:
Pre-retreat quieting of heart: Spend some time writing down what you are concerned about right now and what your expectations for the retreat are. Light a candle signifying His presence. Pray and give Jesus those worries, burdens and expectations.
Each morning start with Gratitude: this is a good practice for every day, but especially during the retreat let the first thing you do be giving thanks. I write down these words daily, "Today I am grateful for...."
Activities during the retreat: read God's word, godly books, or listen to sermons. Go out and appreciate nature and art. Journal down all that God is saying to you. When I am moved to tears, I definitely journal it down. For me, I often cry when the Holy Spirit moves. If there are things that God is bringing to your heart that needed to be dealt with during the retreat, such as step fours, amends or forgiveness, you want to make time for those. see Processing hurts | Success God's Way (mysuccessgodsway.com) If there are directions, prompting or actions needed that God is showing you, journal all these things down.
Artwork: This element I learned from my sis, that we overuse our left side of the brain so we can be functional, but God spoke through our artistic and creative side too. So bring some colors and ask Jesus to partner with you in creating something artistic. I am rarely creative but during the retreat, we both drew a picture for 2023 and then what we hope for in 2024. You'd be surprised like me what Jesus can do.
End with communion and sharing: If you go with someone, it's good to share what God has shown you during the retreat with your friend. I had a sweet time of sharing with my sister after the retreat when we both were excited about what God has shown us. Then we ended with communion remembering the death of Jesus and the huge price He paid for us.
Good questions to ponder especially for year-end reflections are:
Where was I 12 months ago? Physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally.
On a scale of 1-10(amazing), I'd give the year a ____ and the reason for giving it that number.
Looking back last year, what three words would I use to summarize it?
Looking back on your calendar, pictures or journal, briefly summarize each month what happened and how you felt for each month. This was useful to me though time-consuming. It helped me see some beautiful and sad moments of the year that I was too busy to reflect on.
Jot down things that didn't go as planned and if there are ideas for growth next year.
What are my favorite moments last year?
What am I most proud of?
What mistakes did I make that I can learn from?
What were some of the best decisions?
What were my lowest moments?
What areas was I faithful in?
When was I courageous?
Where am I overwhelmed right now? What does God say about those situations?
Where am I feeling stagnant right now? What does God say about those area?
What do I need to celebrate from last year?
Picture a memory from last year that you would like to remember in a decade.
What would I like to see happen next year or in 3 years in these areas:
My walk with God
My family
My friendships
My ministry
My finances
My job
My health (emotional and physical)
My personal growth
My profession
How can I set bitesize goals daily to achieve what I want this coming year?
If there is a word or a picture that the Lord gave me for the coming year, what would that be?
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan river, they set up memorial stones. (josh 4:7) "Only take care and keep your soul diligently lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." Deut 4:9 Faith is built by remembering what God has done. If He has brought you through the Red Sea in the past, He is able to help us with whatever it is ahead of us. Let us remember and look ahead.
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