If you have spent much time at Real Life Ministries, you know that the people here
value relationship. And if you have spent very much time in God’s Word, you will see
why we value relationship. God is a relational God, and he wants us to be in relationship
with him and with each other. Those aren’t just words on a page here, they are something
lived out in every ministry. In home groups and classes, from children’s ministry
to the Lifers Plus group. The importance of relationship is one of the key things
talked about in RLM’s Discipleship Training with churches across
the country, and countries around the world.
It shouldn’t be surprising then, to see that the leadership at Real Life Ministries
sets time aside each year to intentionally spend time together as a staff.
At the end of May the staff of Real Life went on a retreat together to a camp at a nearby lake.
The location surrounded us with God’s beauty and creation –
it was a place to slow down and take a breath..
In fact, the theme for the retreat was ‘Breathe’ – and we were encouraged to
spend some time in the 15th chapter of John.
That chapter talks about the need to ‘Abide’.. to stay connected to the vine.
We had several chances to spend some alone time with God every day, which
blessed us greatly. Far from the noise and busy-ness of work, we were able
to slow down and rest in his presence. Time to abide and dwell in the vine..
But that wasn’t all we did.. we got to spend some time with each other too.
Sitting by the fire in conversation..
Eating together, laughing together, catching up on each others lives.
There were little groupings of people everywhere during the retreat.
It was a chance for teams that don’t get to work together often to spend time
getting to know each other. And for teams from different RLM locations
to come and share experiences and stories, and enjoy time together as a body.
And for all of us, of course, to spend some time playing games.
Games…
It just wouldn’t be Real Life without games….
From volleyball -
To Cribbage..
(You will have to ask Jim Putman who won.)
And yes.. even a little bit of Playstation 3 was thrown in.
But the best times were when we came together to worship -
The sweet sound of spirits joined together in the Spirit –
Praising the God who goes before us and makes all things possible..
There is a unity that comes from abiding in God, and being in fellowship with each other.
And it is important enough to set aside time for -
Time to step out of the world for awhile to enjoy
fellowship with one another.
Time to renew the bonds of friendship and family.
Time to remember the things that are important.
That are eternal.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”And he said to him,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
