Welcome 2026! How quickly did you arrive – and I honestly don’t know what happened to 2025.
Last year when I had a chance to take some time away on retreat, I realized that it was exactly the experience that I was hoping for and needed. It was a chance to hit the pause button in my life and just peacefully be in the presence of God. Between the bike rides and walks within the local community and retreat property, I was able to find God in the every day and witness his beautiful creation of nature.
One of my favorite spots was a wooden swing that overlooked the lake. Between the view, the wind hitting (or gently touching) my face, and the sounds of waves kissing the rocks below, it was a peaceful reminder that God was all around me.
My retreat spiritual director asked me while I was here to go sit by the lake and imagine that Jesus was sitting with me, and through prayer, invite him into my conversation. And that image really stuck with me. There I was, rocking gently on the swing with Jesus by my side. No words were spoken. We just sat there together, admiring the view. We didn’t need to talk. Just being in each other’s presence was enough.
As we begin this 2026 year, may we always feel God’s presence in everything we do. We don’t need to speak but know that God is with you always. Amen.
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10
It is so important to rest in the Lord. Find out why here.
Love this one, Allen. I was on retreat at Mundelein one time. Fr. Jerry Jacob was leading the retreat, and he had us imagine we were sitting by a river when Jesus came along and sat down beside us. It was so easy to feel him near me. Your experience was so similar!! I, too, love nature and the peaceful sound of moving water. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You’re in my prayers.
Hello Deacon Allen, thank you for sharing your retreat story.
I am sure it was a uplifting spirit filled retreat.
Hope all is going well for you.
I pray that we all can feel the presence of Jesus in our lives as we make this journey.
God Bless