A lesson learned...

[Anthony2019]

I’m currently away on a retreat, only 30 miles from home, but already I feel like I’m in a different world.

Back home, everyone is getting stressed about coronavirus. Supermarkets are running out of essential goods, because people are panicking, stockpiling and hoarding. Reading posts on social media, it is clear that people are beginning to get very apprehensive.

For the past two days, I have been staying as a guest in a monastery. During my time here, I have learned so much from my hosts. Here are ordinary people who live their lives of brotherhood, sharing everything they have in common. They eat together, pray together, and live their lives day by day in simple trust. No one here is empty handed, as everything is shared with one another, and there is plenty to go round for everyone. There is no charge to stay here, because the brothers want to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Donations are welcome, and where people choose to give, they are encouraged to give what they can afford with no compulsion to do so. There is a feeling here that every human soul is valued and appreciated. They even make coffee for the postman!

There is a wonderful feeling here, the feeling of peace, that however desperate things get in our frantic world, in the end, all things shall be well.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I’ve learned some valuable lessons here which I will take back with me when I travel home tomorrow.

 

[SkyWriting]

I’m currently away on a retreat, only 30 miles from home, but already I feel like I’m in a different world.

Back home, everyone is getting stressed about coronavirus. Supermarkets are running out of essential goods, because people are panicking, stockpiling and hoarding. Reading posts on social media, it is clear that people are beginning to get very apprehensive.

For the past two days, I have been staying as a guest in a monastery. During my time here, I have learned so much from my hosts. Here are ordinary people who live their lives of brotherhood, sharing everything they have in common. They eat together, pray together, and live their lives day by day in simple trust. No one here is empty handed, as everything is shared with one another, and there is plenty to go round for everyone. There is no charge to stay here, because the brothers want to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Donations are welcome, and where people choose to give, they are encouraged to give what they can afford with no compulsion to do so. There is a feeling here that every human soul is valued and appreciated. They even make coffee for the postman!

There is a wonderful feeling here, the feeling of peace, that however desperate things get in our frantic world, in the end, all things shall be well.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I’ve learned some valuable lessons here which I will take back with me when I travel home tomorrow.

I am currently setting up a business like that.

 

[Anthony2019]

I am currently setting up a business like that.

What business will you be setting up?

 

[Lost4words]

I’m currently away on a retreat, only 30 miles from home, but already I feel like I’m in a different world.

Back home, everyone is getting stressed about coronavirus. Supermarkets are running out of essential goods, because people are panicking, stockpiling and hoarding. Reading posts on social media, it is clear that people are beginning to get very apprehensive.

For the past two days, I have been staying as a guest in a monastery. During my time here, I have learned so much from my hosts. Here are ordinary people who live their lives of brotherhood, sharing everything they have in common. They eat together, pray together, and live their lives day by day in simple trust. No one here is empty handed, as everything is shared with one another, and there is plenty to go round for everyone. There is no charge to stay here, because the brothers want to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Donations are welcome, and where people choose to give, they are encouraged to give what they can afford with no compulsion to do so. There is a feeling here that every human soul is valued and appreciated. They even make coffee for the postman!

There is a wonderful feeling here, the feeling of peace, that however desperate things get in our frantic world, in the end, all things shall be well.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I’ve learned some valuable lessons here which I will take back with me when I travel home tomorrow.

That place sounds superb!
Where exactly?

Obviously you still want to use social media then?

 

[ChristianGirl_96]

What kind of retreat?

 

[Anthony2019]

That place sounds superb!
Where exactly?
Obviously you still want to use social media then?

Yep I've still kept my lines of communication! I came here for a break more than anything, to enjoy my past times such as photos, writing, etc, as well as spending time alone with God. And I need to be online still, to get important texts from family etc. It's Glasshampton in Worcestershire. Fabulous location.

 

[Anthony2019]

What kind of retreat?

Hi ChristianGirl_96. It's an Anglican monastic order (Society of St Francis).

 

[ReesePiece23]

I might have to make the trip up north, sounds fantastic.

 

[charsan]

I’m currently away on a retreat, only 30 miles from home, but already I feel like I’m in a different world.

Back home, everyone is getting stressed about coronavirus. Supermarkets are running out of essential goods, because people are panicking, stockpiling and hoarding. Reading posts on social media, it is clear that people are beginning to get very apprehensive.

For the past two days, I have been staying as a guest in a monastery. During my time here, I have learned so much from my hosts. Here are ordinary people who live their lives of brotherhood, sharing everything they have in common. They eat together, pray together, and live their lives day by day in simple trust. No one here is empty handed, as everything is shared with one another, and there is plenty to go round for everyone. There is no charge to stay here, because the brothers want to extend their hospitality to as many people as possible. Donations are welcome, and where people choose to give, they are encouraged to give what they can afford with no compulsion to do so. There is a feeling here that every human soul is valued and appreciated. They even make coffee for the postman!

There is a wonderful feeling here, the feeling of peace, that however desperate things get in our frantic world, in the end, all things shall be well.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I’ve learned some valuable lessons here which I will take back with me when I travel home tomorrow.

Heaven on Earth. I have always thought of starting a monastery for married people like that.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Anybody wondered if that mode of community living should be the norm for believers?

 

[Anthony2019]

Here are some photos I took during my weekend away....

 

[ReesePiece23]

Anybody wondered if that mode of community living should be the norm for believers?

I have to admit, it appeals to me more than ordinary church does. I'm a typical human really in that I'm quite all or nothing. Either dive deep or don't bother at all.

It'd rather be deep than shallow.

 

[Anthony2019]

Anybody wondered if that mode of community living should be the norm for believers?

I'm not sure that in today's world, community living would be practical for everyone. There are people in relationships, who are married, who have children, as well as those who have social and financial commitments.
But I feel we can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters in community, the way they order their lives, their priorities, their lives of prayer and faith.
Everything is seen as special, as something to be cherished. They take great care in looking after their home and their garden. They show tremendous kindness and hospitality towards those who walk through its doors, and share what they have with them. They are slow to speak and very keen to listen.
Rather than giving you a gospel tract, they would much sooner open the door and offer you something to eat, something to drink, some clothes to wear, or even a room for the night. They understand all too well that their acts of kindness often speak louder than words. I can imagine the postman telling everyone in the village about those monks at the monastery offering him coffee very morning. Through acts of kindness, bridges are built and people start talking. Friendships develop and eventually opportunities come for the gospel to be shared.

 

[Carl Emerson]

A community can be folks in different walks of life fellowshipping with their close christian neighbours in a mutually supportive 'covenant'

 

[Anthony2019]

A community can be folks in different walks of life fellowshipping with their close christian neighbours in a mutually supportive 'covenant'

That is very true. Communities of believers do not have to live behind "walls" - fellowship knows no boundaries.
I first started going on retreats during a very "dry" period in my Christian life. I was inspired by the story of a friend of mine, also a Christian, who had suffered a major nervous breakdown following a series of family tragedies. She was very generous lady who gave lots of money to different charities, and she decided she wanted to go to a monastery during Lent. She told the monks her story. She told them she wanted to give more with her time, her money and her life. And she told them she was giving up chocolate for Lent. She was astounded to find a box of chocolates outside her room that evening, placed there by the monks. When she asked them why, they told her that she was a person who was very precious in sight of God and she needed to start loving herself. They told her that it was not the right time for her to be giving - she needed to be kinder on herself. It was now time for her to receive.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Brilliant story thanks...

 

[Carl Emerson]

Yes... the second of the two 'great commandments' is largely forgotten by the modern church - Love your neighbour as yourself.

Revival is not really that hard... It is just a matter of returning to scripture and doing what it says.