By John Auger, LEAD Board President

Over the years, I’ve learned that developing spiritual practices to stay connected with God on a daily basis is absolutely essential to my walk of faith. This has been especially clear during difficult times when I’ve needed guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit. But even in good seasons, these practices help me develop a deeper sense of gratitude for all God’s blessings. Long ago, I established a daily morning time with Jesus. I read Scripture and devotionals, I pray, and I journal my insights. Writing things down reinforces the learnings, and nearly every day, those readings are exactly what I need to hear. True “God winks.”

Over a decade ago, I came across the concept of a “solo retreat”—intentional time to go off somewhere remote and, hopefully, beautiful for one overnight to be with Jesus. Uninterrupted. Quiet. Just us two. I live near the Poconos in Eastern Pennsylvania, and I have a rustic, comfortable place that’s set in some beautiful rolling hills, about an hour and a half from home. During the afternoon and evening, I read through my journals and jot down things that strike me. It’s amazing to read through a year of journal entries and see how the hand of God has worked through me in remarkable ways. Sometimes we get too caught up in the day-to-day and forget the bigger scope and arc of our lives—how God works through us. This practice helps put that back into view. I’m truly soaking up the Spirit!

The next morning, after prayer, I read through the notes from the previous evening and ask the Spirit to condense them for me. This ends up being about two pages of affirmation, guidance, direction, encouragement, and unending love. I find that this process just flows in about fifteen minutes. I know it’s the Spirit guiding me because, in many cases, words come to my head that are not words I would normally use. Yet they are profound and deeply meaningful to me. Just the right words, touching my heart and soul in ways only our Loving God could.

If you haven’t already found this gift of a solo retreat, I challenge you to give it a try. Start by blocking out 24 hours on your calendar. Find a place that feeds your soul—whether it’s a quiet inn, a retreat center, or a cabin in the woods. Bring your journal, your Bible, and an open heart. You will find that it truly will be one of the highlights of your faith journey each year. Jesus is waiting for you!