As a child, I loved building forts. We had many grand battles behind a fence made of broken limbs. There were other forts made of cardboard or leftover construction materials. But my favorite forts were the ones built in trees. There is something powerful about getting off the ground and up in the air when you are 10 years old! My dad helped me build a fort in our backyard that overlooked a lake, and we could spy on all the boats passing by. There were many adventures in which my friends and I played the parts of pirates, soldiers, or settlers.
One of the things I loved about having a fort was it felt like a safe space to retreat. Despite the rickety nature of most of the forts we built, they came with a sense of security, protection, secrecy, and mystery. I find myself pondering what the disciples must have experienced in the Upper Room. They retreated from a world filled with uncertainty to a place of comfort and seclusion. I think we often need that same type of experience, to retreat to a place where we can be in God’s presence and experience the mystery of God. Maybe that place is under a blanket with a favorite devotional. Maybe it’s a walk in the woods to enjoy God’s creation. Maybe it’s a lake house, boat, or a favorite stream. Regardless of the actual location, the experience allows us to step away from the daily hustle and bustle in order to listen, watch, reflect, and pray.
I often think about going back to the days of playing in a fort with the innocence of a child’s mind and heart. But then I remember that God has placed me wherever I am today in order to bless lives and make a difference. We can use the times of retreating to give us strength for our work; whether that is vocational work, missional work, or the work of building relationships with our family and friends. So, find a good, high place to look out and see how God can use you to share His love and bring hope to the world!
Rev. Phil Greenwald, Executive Pastor of Administration
