I always marvel at His perfect orchestration of events in our lives, though it comes as no surprise to me. I am always in awe of His Presence and can’t help but continue to share those things to bring glory to God along with the hope that others will see Him working in their lives as well.
It all started with a Facebook ad that came up that said “Women’s Retreat” with some dates that were about a week away. My curiosity was peaked so I clicked on the link that led to info of a lake retreat center that was roughly two hours from me. It looked interesting with one main speaker and a singer, the worship leader, neither of whom I had heard of. You probably know by now I’m always game for a new adventure and learning more about our great God.
My calendar noted that there was nothing of interest on those days. I contemplated if there was anyone I could invite but with such short notice and the unexpected cost for someone I figured against that. It was kind of confirmed in my mind since there was a cost associated with just a single occupancy indicating solo was acceptable.
Much to my surprise when I emailed inquiring if there was any availability, the next morning my inbox had a response saying yes there were some last minute cancellations so if I was still interested call for a reservation! So, that is exactly what I did and sure enough they had a room available for a solo person. What are the chances of that availability at such a short notice? Yes, God’s orchestration!
So off I went solo for the weekend finding my way there with no issue. It took a bit to find where to check in and then get situated trying to find my building and room via a map of the property.
A view of the peaceful lake
The event started with a buffet dinner so as I was in line I said a quick prayer asking the Lord to make me be brave and put myself out there to show thyself friendly. Little did I know until the next day that there were a total of 320 women there! I believe I was probably the only one that came alone! I ended up sitting at a table with older people who were also pretty quiet so it was a little awkward.
It was then time to move to a different building for the first main talk which was then followed by a little coffeehouse concert back in the dining area. I ended up sitting with three ladies that came together actually part of a bigger group. Two other ladies sat down at our table who ended up being from the same church. All I can say is …..Yes, God’s orchestration!
The group of three ladies were very friendly and interesting to talk with. Many smiles and laughs were exchanged that evening.
Eventually there was only one lady and I left at the table so we began talking…two strangers suddenly sharing our stories, encouraging each other, listening and learning from each other. We pretty much closed down the place. It is always such a blessing to listen to others and learn from their stories as well as now pray for them.
Out of 320 ladies how was it that the next morning, the one lady of the three saw me at the buffet line, came alongside of me and asked if I wanted to sit with them? Yes, God’s orchestration!
What was amazing is that I saw it happen again and again! We would be walking from two different places and then our path’s would cross so that we were together again!
My orange little buddy while hiking
A hike in the woods with the “Son-Light” shining down
Mini golfing solo…I won! I won!
At lunch on Saturday afternoon, I ended up sitting at the table with the one gal, from the night before that we closed down the coffeehouse, and others from her church. One of the ladies was talking about the zip-lining that she had done last year. Of course, we know how much I just love heights (not!) and zip-lining so I was contemplating if I would be brave enough to try it at this place. As I was debating, I flipped back and forth trying to decide. You see, the zip-lining was only listed as available for an hour and half. I had a 30 minute massage scheduled so it seemed like I might not have a lot of time if there was a long line.
I left the cafeteria and was going to head to check out the zip-lining when my path crossed with the three ladies who invited me to go on a hay ride with them right then. God’s orchestration! A sense of relief swept over me as I figured I won’t have to endure those sweaty hands, climbing to the zip- line after all! By the time the hay ride came back it definitely wouldn’t leave me enough time before the massage.
Unusal for me, I arrived 15 minutes early for my massage and an uneasy feeling swept over me as I saw a massage therapist sitting at a table in the lobby. I stated my name and 2:30 pm appointment time when much to my disappointment she said the appointment was at 2 pm on her list. She was very kind saying she would give me a 10 minute one so to go in quietly into the room and quickly prepare. In the end, she did realize it was her mistake and feeling so badly she would not accept any payment for her services.
Shockingly, I began to think to myself that maybe this was a “sign” I was suppose to go zip-lining since it was open until 3 pm which if my massage time didn’t get mixed up I wouldn’t have been able to make! Thankfully I was right near the front desk to ask for sure where and how to get to the beginning of the zip-line. It was right across the parking lot of the building where I was!
These zip-lines are done in tandem and there was one lone gal there, last in line. Once again, it was God’s orchestration that I came along so she had a partner to go with! This gal had never zip-lined before and so we were there for each other being scared but trying to have faith all would be okay!
My zip-line partner, with God’s orchestration, was on the evening hayride with me
This zip-line was perfect in respect to there were only five railroad tie stairs and the rest of walking uphill through the woods which was such a relief for me! I wish all the zip-lines could be like that! 🙂 I must be honest though and admit that being on the runway at the beginning of the platform still made my hands sweaty and me being nervous. 🙁 The gentleman was very kind though and let me hold on to a post until the last possible minute before takeoff. It felt good to conquer another zip line!
Me coming to the end of the zip-line
One time during our free time as I was exiting the lodge where the main event was held I bumped right into the main speaker as she was going into the building. It was another example of God’s orchestration as I wanted to thank her and share something with her.
It was delightful to close out the retreat sitting with my three gals for lunch before we all departed. The laughs we shared will always be dear to my heart and how God’s orchestration sure blessed me. As we all exchanged hugs and good byes I was blessed that the one lady even called me sweetheart a few times!
My special friends~The Four Musketeers (a name the one gal gave us)
Quickly getting back to reality, the real world, I stopped at the store for some groceries on my home. Because of doing that, God’s orchestration provided one last smile from me as the song Show Me Your Glory by, none other than my favorite band, Third Day, came on the radio as I drove the last few streets to my house! So often God blesses me with hearing a Third Day song in my travels, even short ones, reminding me of His Presence!
I thought it fitting to share the lyrics of that song….a perfect summary of my weekend that was sprinkled throughout with God’s orchestration.
Show Me Your Glory
In the corner of my eye
The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen
And it was like a flash of lightning
Reflected off the sky
And I know I’ll never be the same
Show me Your glory
Send down Your presence
I want to see Your face
Show me Your glory
Majesty shines about You
I can’t go on without You, Lord
When I climb down the mountain
And get back to my life
I won’t settle for ordinary things
I’m gonna follow You forever
And for all of my days
I won’t rest ’til I see You again
Show me Your glory
Show me Your glory
I can’t live without You
https://www.lyricsfreak.com/t/third+day/show+me+your+glory_20222658.html
Do you, like me, often feel like YOU are in charge of things in your life, even the different decisions you make in a day?
There was just something about this weekend where my eyes were opened even more to see that God’s orchestration was so very real.
A reminder that HE truly is in control of everything in MY life!
What should I fear if HE is orchestrating everything for me?
I pray you may be encouraged this week to see God’s orchestration in your life!
Be reminded that HE truly is in control of everything in YOUR life!
What should YOU fear if HE is orchestrating everything for you?
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? –Matthew 6:26 (NLT)
Thank you for sharing about the retreat, Christine! It was great to meet you at the coffee house. And I’m glad you were able to have courage to go on the zip line! That is neat how you shared about God’s orchestration.
Likewise, Shari, it was great meeting you and know that I remember you with fondness! Thank you for taking time to read and encouraging me. Blessings to you and your family!
As always, a delight to read. Thank you for sharing your journeys. God Bless, Sandy
Thank you, Sandy, for faithfully reading and blessing me!