A walk in the park...

While I'm looking forward to the golden aspens of autumn, a few lucky office workers will still be appreciating a "walk" through lush, green grass with these grass-growing flip-flops that Krispy Kreme passed out in the UK. (The grass allegedly lasts four months! That's well into blizzard season here in Colorado...) :)

What do grass-growing flip-flops have to do with youth ministry?

Well, since I can relate just about any two apparently incongruous topics, let me tell you!

I just returned from a wonderful retreat in Vail, CO. It's a three day/two night retreat opportunity offered annually for youth ministers in the Archdiocese of Denver. In addition to praying and worshipping together, we learn from a guest speaker, and share ideas on topics like mission trips, volunteer appreciation, and peer ministry training. The best part, though, is the chance to hang out with each other. It was so great to spend time together on the ride up, over meals, on walks, while playing "Battle of the Sexes", and in our rooms at night, chatting before falling asleep in the big, comfortable beds, piled high with feather pillows and down comforters. (And no, we obviously weren't "roughing it"! I called it a retreat--not a pilgrimage or a mission!)

What's that have to do with odd, grassy flip-flops? I kinda think both offer an opportunity to "step" out of the ordinary. While the flip-flops might remind us of a carefree romp through a green, grassy meadow, a retreat reminds us of our God-given purpose and our calling to our True Home...Heaven. There's something about a retreat that puts our ordinary lives in perspective and arms us for returning to the battle of daily life. And I firmly believe that retreat experiences are essential to the life of any practicing Christian. After all, Jesus modeled it for us! He spent 40 days in the dessert before he entered into his work on earth as prophet, priest, and king. Who are WE to insist we don't need a similar time of prayer, reflection and formation?!

When was the last time you experienced a retreat opportunity? Have you ever?? We'll have both fall and spring retreat trips for both junior and senior high youth. Consider joining us. (And if you're a parent, we can help you find opportunities for grown-ups, too!)

Oh, by the way, Vail was beautiful.

We were awed and blessed by the chance to spend a few days there!