Last year at this time, on Feb 19-22 (a Thursday through Sunday), I spent the weekend on a retreat that has impacted me more than I ever thought it would. Now, I have been on several retreats as both a student and as a leader, but quite honestly the spiritual aspect of those retreats was second to the fellowship that came along with it. For the Emmaus Walk, I knew one person going with me, and we were guaranteed that not only would we not room together, but we wouldn’t be in the same group, or really even see each other all too much for the weekend. Plus, we were some of the youngest ones going. So when I say we were headed for a weekend of the unknown and out of our comfort zone, this was truly the case!
Before the weekend, you really don’t get much information as to what exactly you’re getting yourself into other than you can’t have a watch or phone, and I remember Christie and I looking at each other that first night thinking what in the world did we just get ourselves into? But we went along for the ride, and laughed, cried, sang, and ate our way through that weekend that truly made an impact and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s incredible to believe how close you can become with a group of ladies of all ages you never met in such a short amount of time. Even more incredible is the vulnerability that comes along with that and love that encircled us during that time. Even now, it’s hard to put to words the whole weekend without divulging the best of the unknown, but what I do know is that in that time, the Lord moved in such a way that stirred within me something irreplaceable. Rather than attempt to describe it, I’ll leave you with the scripture this journey is based upon and the song that filled our ears most:
Luke 24:13-35 (ESV) | On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
I would encourage you to learn more about the Emmaus community and join in on a walk near you. It’s such an experience to treasure and I am so glad that I went when I did. If you’ve been, I would love to hear about your experience as well!
This was our theme song of sorts for the weekend and is such a beautiful reminder of that time for me! De Colores!
