Part 2
There's a song in the Worship & Song book (3113) that was introduced at the beginning of the retreat: "A Wilderness Wandering People". What a perfect song for the theme, the time, the retreat. It wasn't planned, it just happened. When the music leader opened the worship book, that's where it opened. Serendipity.
The lyrics are below. I invite you to read through them and reflect on them. What word, words, or phrases stand out to you? Hold those as you listen to the song in the link below the lyrics.
A Wilderness Wandering PeopleJim Strathdee
© 1996 Desert Flower Music
1. We are a wilderness wandering people on a journey of the soul.
May we find our destination in our longing to be whole.
Our Holy God is calling to us.
With Jesus by our side may compassion be
our compass; may the Spirit be our guide.
2. May we cherish all our children, let us heal our family’s pain.
2. May we cherish all our children, let us heal our family’s pain.
Help us cure our city’s madness, let love and justice reign.
Reconciled with one another in prayer and praise and song, we’re the body of Christ together and we know that we belong, we belong, we belong, we belong.
As I read the lyrics, here is what stands out to me:
As I read the lyrics, here is what stands out to me:
- a journey of the soul
- longing to be whole
- compassion
- guide
- cherish
- heal
- let love and justice reign
- reconciled
- together
- we belong
What this time apart reflecting on the wilderness has meant to me is a little bit hard to explain, but I will attempt it.
I came into a community knowing very few people. About a handful of staff, if that. I knew some names of others from conference, but didn't know them well. Others I didn't know at all. Then there are the campers. I didn't know a single one.
There was a sense of belonging from the get-go, a sense of acceptance, connectedness, love, and grace. I have experienced acceptance and grace in community before. I have written about it. The Emmaus Community has been a major community of acceptance and grace for me since 1998. Yet, this week has been different. These people didn't know me, they received me, accepted me, and allowed me into their lives.
It has been life giving to
- worship together
- do crafts together,
- listen to people's stories
- enjoy campfire time together
- laugh together
- share meals together
- fellowship together
- etc.
I would venture to say that this week has been life-changing for me. It has allowed me to use the gifts and graces that the Creator has given me and to receive the gifts and graces from others.
The weather has offered thunderstorms, rain, and breezes. The beauty of the changing weather, the view of the mountain, the mountain laurel, the roses, and other blooms has sunk into my soul. I didn't know how much I needed the nature therapy.
Do you want to learn more about Strength for the Journey?
Here's a link to an article written by Buzz Trexler from May of 2025 that offers great insight into the retreat:
This week is giving me strength for the journey.
Peace,
Rev. Deb
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