““Ecologists remind us that a tree planted in the clearing of an Old Forest will grow more successfully than when it is planted in isolation in an open field. The roots of the new planting will follow more easily and more deeply the hidden pathways of old root systems. Likewise, human beings thrive best in following the patterns of life already taken by others before them. None of us needs to reinvent the wheel or live as if no one has preceded us in the pathways of the wise.”
-James Houston, The Mentored Life”
This quote from James Houston is an apt reminder of the need that all humans have to be connected with one another - a truth that was definitely lived at the 2016 Trinity Men's Retreat. Our focus of "Our Story - God's Formation" based us in hearing from one another the stories of how God has met us and written our stories throughout our lives. We were blessed to hear from some longtime Trinity members, as well as from one another.
Our Sunday morning reflection time on the retreat led one attendee to reflect, "A retreat like this makes Sunday mornings different." This is our hope of time spent away on retreat together. Our hope is that connection with one another helps us to notice what God is doing among us, and makes for greater connections and realities of community.
A few other thoughts of men who attended the Retreat:
"Another thanks to everyone who went and thanks to the guys who shared in front of everyone. Also a special thank you to the guys who were new to Trinity and came anyway. It was great getting to know you all a little better!"
"Yeah, a really great time. Enjoyed getting to know many of you just a little bit better. Looking forward to next year. MOODY UP!"
"I wanted to say thanks to all ya'll for the weekend. I kept thinking of all the great guys around the circle or table (pool or food). What a gift. I also can't help but think about all the men who weren't there and wished they had been. Maybe next time. I think Miracle Ranch is a great place to have this event. I wouldn't change a thing."
"I am grateful for the group of guys who went to the retreat and for all of the men at Trinity. I don't know that I've ever experienced such a welcoming, open and honest group of men. And watch out for Matt Lambert."
The tentative dates for the 2017 Men's Retreat are January 20-22. Hope you will join us!