“God, where are you?” This was the question I cried out several years ago. It seemed like God’s voice had been squelched amidst the many demands of pastoring, parenting, and myriad of other responsibilities in my life. In that moment, I realized there was too much noise and far too many distractions. God’s voice was hard to distinguish from everything else…even the good things. Not only as a pastor, but as a Christ-follower, this was concerning me.

Without question, there were some necessary changes that needed to be made. For me, this meant prioritizing a few days each year to retreat from the rhythms and routines of my normal, everyday life and go to a place of safety, quiet, and seclusion.

When we go on retreat, we physically remove ourselves from life’s distractions, the responsibilities of work and home and the demands of people, in order to creatively and purposefully make space for God. In my life, retreats have helped me to slow down the pace of life, take stock of what matters most, and contemplate the important, instead of focusing on the urgent. Over the last decade, these times away have helped me to appreciate simplicity, silence, solitude and community, as well as develop the practice of listening and the art of waiting.

Are you longing for a place where you can just go and be? A place where there’s time devoted to personal reflection and rest, and the opportunity to connect with others in meaningful discussion and to deepen relationships? If so, I invite you to attend Refresh A Women’s Event April 29-May 1, 2016 at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, WA. During the weekend you will enjoy group sessions that include inspirational teaching and vibrant worship, an ample amount of free time to get away on your own or spend with friends, as well as a variety of breakout sessions offered on Saturday.

Speaking of breakout sessions – during the Refresh weekend, I will be facilitating a two-part experiential session, “Creating Space for God.” Attendees are invited to join me as we enter a time of quiet and solace before God. We will learn and apply Christian practices for silence and solitude that allow us to listen to God and oneself, to enliven and enrich one’s conversation with God.

Something special happens when we physically get away and create room for our soul. I hope you are able to take this time away to invest in yourself and your relationship with God.

To register and for more information: Refresh A Women’s Event

Jada Swanson is a communicator at heart whose passion is to clearly and creatively teach God’s Word. She is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church, and serves as an Associate Pastor at CrossView Church in Snohomish, WA. In addition to pastoring, Jada is a worship leader, conference speaker, spiritual director, and retreat facilitator. She desires to help others create space to connect faith and the sacred ordinary of everyday life in order to deepen their relationship with God and to share His love with others.