As I prepared to spend two weeks with the summer staff at Black Rock Retreat in Pennsylvania, I noticed my own weariness. The weeks leading up to Black Rock included international travel and teaching in Ukraine — working with Denver Seminary students attending a week of trauma informed soul care training — hosting Gary’s parents for six days — celebrating family birthdays — welcoming Gary’s brother and wife for a short visit, work transition, and ongoing spiritual direction sessions. I knew God wanted me to serve at Black Rock, but simultaneously grew aware of my own depletion. I felt tired.
With what situations do you feel tired or weary? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” – Matthew 11:28-30.
While journaling on the flight to PA, I asked the Lord for breathing room for my soul while at Black Rock. With the Lord, I looked forward to quiet walks, fresh smells, solid conversations, meaningful sacred space, and freedom for authenticity. Honestly though, this felt dissonant within me – I come to Black Rock to serve. Nevertheless, I sensed God inviting me to rest and receive while at Black Rock.
Might God invite you to rest and receive as well? Talk with Him about it.
Receive – To be given, presented with; to experience; to welcome.
God knows my desire remains firm to serve the Black Rock staff well, and He knows my soul needs to recharge. A week ago, I wondered how God might meet my weariness while in the the midst of serving…
Since arriving, I have led daily group devotional spaces, eaten meals with the 45 staff, joined vespers, participated in policy training, AND taken daily walks in the forested 115 acres on the Black Rock grounds. As I pour out, the Spirit pours in. God amazes me by His goodness.
Creator God recharges my soul through His creation. I walk, watch the critters, smell the damp fallen leaves, listen to the bubbling creek, and savor the gentle strong presence of God. I receive the bounty of God from this place. In His abundance, God provides space for my soul to breathe and receive.
Look for ways the Lord recharged your soul this week?
I began offering soul care to the Black Rock summer staff four years ago. During my first summer at Black Rock, I discovered a small labyrinth in disrepair. The director informed me it was not used and would likely be removed. With Jenni-like enthusiasm, I asked if I could fix it up? He agreed (although perhaps a bit hesitantly). For those two weeks, while the staff worked with their “departments,” the labyrinth became my afternoon “work project.”
I pulled weeds, trimmed trees, and moved rocks. In the end, the labyrinth resembled a precious sacred space for prayer. My soul experienced great joy through the labor. I introduced the staff to the practice of walking the labyrinth and they incorporated it into their summer camp program.
Since then, each summer when I arrive I visit the labyrinth to see the impact of the weather, and plan my “work project.” Bringing the labyrinth back to life fills my soul. Walking the labyrinth has ascended as a favorite practice for the Black Rock staff as well as the yearly guests. I love exposing others to this beautiful way of walking with God and receiving from Him in reflection, rest, and renewal.
To what spiritual practice do you enjoy exposing others?
This summer after arriving to Black Rock, I made my way to the labyrinth. I felt shocked to see how much growth exploded in the past year. The trees needed more than a pair of pruning shears. The weeds and shrubs burst throughout the path, and rocks lay skewed by the rains and snow of winter. I asked the grounds keepers for help to cut some of the trees in order to make the way of the labyrinth passable.
The following day, I noticed a front loader leaving the labyrinth entrance laden with tree branches. I felt surprised by the quick response to my request for help. I thanked God. As I approached the labyrinth, three men worked with weed whakers, tree trimmers, and leaf blowers to clear out and clean up the path. I planned to clean up the labyrinth after the trees were trimmed, but the grounds workers labored to clean up the entire labyrinth. I stood in awe.
I returned that evening to see the progress. The labyrinth shined brilliantly. Following an open path with pruned trees, trimmed bushes, and weeds removed, I journeyed to the center. I sat on the stone bench and wept. I rested in the love of God. I sensed the whisper of God, “I told you I wanted you to rest and receive.” The work on the labyrinth had been done for me. Now, I could enjoy it for the remainder of my time with the summer staff.
I don’t know how long I sat there overcome with emotion, but it seemed like a while. I couldn’t believe God would orchestrate such a gift for my soul. This summer at Black Rock, the Lord wants me to serve the staff, but also receive from His abundant grace and goodness. I thank God for the gift of enjoyment to walk the labyrinth in His creation each day. I thank God for inviting me to rest and receive from Him in this place. It came unexpectedly, but I receive it with gratitude to God.
This week – – –
Reflect. Walk a labyrinth. Many Bible believing churches design a labyrinth on their grounds. Find one and visit it. Walk the labyrinth with God as your companion. As you walk toward the center, reflect with God. Allow the turns of the path to be ways the Spirit of God guides your reflection. Upon arriving to the center, rest in the love of God. You are held, cherished, and received by God. As you walk out, following the same path, look outward with God. Wonder about His renewal and invitations to your soul.
Request. What does God invite you to receive from Him? Talk with God about your desires and longings. Surrender your entire being to the goodness of God. Trust His tender attention to the cares and concerns of your soul.
Receive. Consider a place or a people God invites you to serve. As you pour out, receive the pouring in by the Holy Spirit. Welcome all that God gives to your soul, even in unexpected ways. Let God provide for you in His abundant generosity.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Proverbs 11:25 – A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Bill Gaultiere and Kristi Gaultiere. Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You. Ada, MI. 2025.
Carole Ann Camp. Praying at Every Turn: Meditations for Walking the Labyrinth. 2006.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Phil Wickham. Creator. Click here to watch & listen.
Tommy Walker. “What A Generous God” (James 1:17-18) | Soulful Scripture Songs. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 30-June 13 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat, Summer Camp Staff Training
July 6-10 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
July 13-21 – Kigali, Rwanda – Soul Care Retreat and Training
August 3-7 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
August 13-17 – Lincoln, CA – Visit my parents and siblings
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund. Thank you! 🌷