More Good Days

     It's been a couple of weeks already since the men's treat at Manzanita and I suspect they've gone as fast for you as they have for me.  The day I came home from the beach I realized how much I had needed that time away.  Along with the good group and meal times, it refreshed my soul just to play  (check out a short video of the weekend here).
     Have you ever considered why childhood is such a magical time for most people?  Think about it.  A good day, when you were a kid was filled with learning something new every day at school, having lunch with best friends, playing at recess, a hug from mom after school along a plate of cookies, and playing outside until you got called in for dinner.  After dinner you took a warm bath, someone read a story to you, kissed you on the cheek and tucked you in a warm bed.
     What's missing in a typical day once you're an adult?  Okay, it might be the hugs, but I think it's especially the part about learning something new every day and playing with friends.  Even if we get some exercise, it's normally on a treadmill or in a gym.  The fun factor isn't exactly high.  How much better would life be if we got out and played more with our friends?  The retreat reminded me how important it is to play.  My preferred mode of play is physical.  For the first few days after the weekend, I was deliriously sore.  Your play mode may be entirely different.
     With that in mind, how about getting together more often for some fun?  If you're around on May 30th, come out and play! We'll do pizza and see the new movie, Robin Hood.  The 30th is a Sunday (Memorial Day weekend) so, for anyone interested, we could shoot some hoops beforehand too.  When the movie comes out we'll set a time.

     Finally, I hope that there are some lingering memories of the ideas we chewed on at the beach.  To review:

• Friday night we asked each other, "How full is your tank?"  We looked at Jonah, Jeremiah, Job, Jesus - each had times when they pretty much ran out of fuel for various reasons and we talked about ways we relate to them.  We noted how consistently being or feeling alone is a factor that leads to running on empty. 
• Saturday morning we made our "window of drain" with post-its and spent a good chunk of time in 1 Kings 18-19 with Elijah as he was first used by God in huge ways, but was emptied and ran away before hearing God's restoring whisper on Mt. Horeb. 
• Saturday night we explored the Genesis story and the power of purpose and meaning to refill us. We discussed Adam's relationship with God, self, creation and others - and how we are filled when those relationships are rightly connected.  David F. Wallace's commencement speech and suicide both inspired and warned us. 

How are you doing since we came away from that time?  Have you let God use whatever he pointed out to you?  Did you make any sort of pledge to God or yourself that you need to check on now?   Think it over.  Let's help each other keep those ideas warm and our spirits full.
- Curtis
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Also coming up:  In early May (tentatively Saturday May 8th), you're invited to help build 3 raised garden beds at Trihaven house.  Growing their own veggies will be both therapeutic and healthy for the residents - and fun to work on with them.  Let me know if you'd like to help with this worthwhile one-day project.