A Personal Reflection on our Creatives Retreat

Monday’s Musings

A Personal Reflection on our Creatives Retreat

by Michele Husfelt, November 2022

Accordion prayer books were creatively assembled, personal journals pondered, a cross stitch sampler complete marked the hope of new beginnings, and an unfinished poem buried for years under more pressing thoughts suddenly came alive. Fat quarters were quilted together, photos captured, creative prayer and rest imagined, and floating fall leaves were scooped up and examined.

All a celebration of the Master’s creation.

Meals and walks were shared, laughter was contagious, and the search for the cross within the flames of the campfire became a symbol of our search for Jesus in the everyday. There were quiet moments, times of enjoying a nap or book alone, and the joy of being in community. Holy and sacred were the bread and cup passed from one to another, as we did this in remembrance of Him.

All a celebration of the Master’s creation.

In the quiet reflection of personal accomplishments, my mind recounted the luxury of a much-needed nap and the beginning of a new blog. The renewing of old friendships and the delight of listening to new stories surfaced, however, the satisfaction of a weekend spent creatively was still waiting to be realized.

All a celebration of the Master’s creation.

In little time, the Spirit spoke. Creation birthed. The evidence became apparent in the observance of participants. The smiles, the hearts at peace, the conversations formed—easily within safe spaces and comfy places. The sisterhood and in-Christ bond, the realization that we belong to each other. The gift of friendship. Grace-givers sitting circled ‘round, encouraging and applauding the work of fellow creators.

What personal creation had been crafted and formed? There it was! The culmination of weeks and months of praying and planning resulted in the creation of community. Perhaps the most profound accomplishment personally is indeed, this creation of community. Seeds planted in the fertile soil of feeling welcomed. And loved. And connected. This was the incomparable gift the Spirit graciously bestowed.

All a celebration of the Master’s creation.

(Photo credit: Koryn Hutchison and Michele Husfelt)