As a part of Jo-Lynne's new carnival What I Learned This Week, I am sharing the sequel to last week's post on Choosing Music for a Crowd.
Last week, I was still in the planning phases for our first-ever prayer retreat for the women of the Philadelphia Metro-West Presbytery. At the prompting of one of our committee members on our women's ministries team, I thought this would be a nice idea around which to gather women at the beginning of the year. Last week, I was in that stress mode over music, food, speakers, folders, flowers, etc.
On Friday, I talked to two of our speakers. Both said, "Satan has been working this week. I have had all kinds of trouble. I know God is up to something good!"
I thought to myself — I haven't really had trouble this week. BUT, I did get a call, based on information I submitted in November, to be an extra in a movie filming downtown Philadelphia called "Law Abiding Citizen." I thought, if Satan was planning to distract me from this retreat, he picked the perfect thing.
Thinking back to the thirteen long hours on the set on Wednesday, I recalled a moment when I was able to speak with the main star, Gerard Butler, who is also producing the movie. He said, "Even if we mess up dramatically, it has to be good because it is a great story." He seemed excited about how the movie was going and after watching him for hours, I agreed. He's good at what he does. (I mean, really good. Okay, back to reality.)
Monday, I thought back to the retreat and realized that it was the same. No matter what I did in my human, sinful, failing attempts to be in charge, it was God's story and it was going to be great no matter what. And, indeed after hours of prayer and seeing God's hand at work in the lives of women throughout our community, I had to agree. God is good at what HE does. I mean REALLY good! He is the ultimate director!
The music turned out great, the testimonies were rich and inspiring and the time alone in private prayer went so fast, women wanted more time. Everyone seemed to appreciate the folders packed with spiritual material and journals. There was an incredible spirit of cooperation and participation throughout the day and I felt so blessed to see it all come to pass.
On Monday, I dropped off the checks with the presbytery treasurer, deposited my reimbursement for expenses and just started to cry tears of joy as the tension left my neck and my mind released the final worries. Driving home was a little difficult with tears streaming down my face . . . but I knew it was over and it was good and God was faithful. Praise the Lord.
We are already planning for next year.
It sounds like it went beautifully! I hope I can attend next year. I promise not to sneak in my blackberry.
Sounds like a wonderful retreat. Thanks for sharing your story!
Your retreat sounds great! I love the statement "Satan has been working this week". He tends to try to do that his time, but your retreat was successful in spite of him.
What a great lesson for the week! It sounds like you put together a great event! Kudos to you!
I am glad it went well.
Oh, that is such a good feeling! I remember when my time leading MOPS was finished. I was driving home and just felt this amazing feeling of relief and AWE. Awe that God would use me to be a part of his plan. It was truly a special moment.
I am so glad it was successful. My good friend is planning ours right now. Any advice I can pass along to her?
Sounds like it went really well! I'm always amazed at how stressed I can get planning events like that, but when I finally give it up to God, it all comes together almost effortlessly. In my heart, I know He's in charge — it's all His party. But sometimes, it's hard to get my head to remember!
So glad it all went well, and you were blessed by it.
Want to organize one here in N Ireland?!!
Thanks everyone.
And to answer Janel, for those planning their own retreat, I do have the papers we used as handouts and the schedule if anyone would want to reference it when planning their own.
Great job on the retreat! It is such a joy to be used by God and see Him at work.
Thanks for the reminder. Glad your retreat went well.
I love it when things work and when they end…there is also that major let down though when the stress is gone! Great story, thanks for sharing.
Absolutely the best thing to learn! Glad it went well!