A retreat with AA women lifts me up. . .

I spent the past week at the Dominican Retreat House in McLean, VA.  I was invited to present two programs to “my sisters” in AA.  Both retreats blessed me with spiritual sustenance.  Nurturing the attendees with some new information was the primary “assignment,” but receiving the love that came my way was a gift that truly overwhelmed me.  I certainly received far more than I had expected.

The women were lovely, every one of them.  The food was more than delicious.  And the Sisters couldn’t have been kinder to me and every other woman too.  I can understand why some of the attendees have returned dozens of times.  One woman has actually been to 71 retreats over her many decades in recovery.  That speaks volumes about the programs that are offered and the accommodations the women get to enjoy.

My own apartment was delightful.  Not only was it cozy but it included a large living room, two recliners, a couch, a desk and a refrigerator.  I certainly felt well taken care of.  The chocolates added to the welcome I must admit. Part of the role of the retreat director is to meet one on one with women who want to have a private conversation which makes the apartment a must.  These are special times,  special conversations because it allows us to talk more intimately, beneath the facade that we some times wear in larger groups.

I came away from the week end feeling like I really knew many of the women.  I also came away “filled-up” with love and many memories of laughter, great exchanges of information, encounters that will long be remembered and a full heart.  I hope I am called upon again to visit there.

Doing retreats like this one is part of my destiny, I’m sure.  I no longer doubt that wherever God “carries me,” he has a plan for me.  I used to scoff at such an idea but too many experiences in my life have been so perfectly orchestrated that I know God had a hand in them.  I know that God has a hand in every experience any one of us has, in fact.  Perhaps that idea doesn’t resonate with you right now but for a moment, cast all doubt aside and take note of where you have been and where you are now.  Did you get to This Place of your own volition?  Or are you willing to admit you had a helping hand?

I know I’d not be doing what I am now doing had God not intended it.  I have said on many occasions, in books and in talks, that God opened all of the doors I eventually walked through.  This is not the life I had envisioned but it is the life that I trust is perfect for me.  Just as every encounter I had this past week was also perfect.  We will know who we need to know.  We will be where we need to be.  We will experience that which calls to us.  If not now at another time.

Thanks be to God.