John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” They are… And I am going…

Almost every year in October, I go to the mountains outside of Colorado Springs for a ministry retreat hosted by Christ In Youth. It’s called Wilderness, and it is one of the foundational parts of my spiritual formation each year.

I missed Wilderness last year. We were just a few days away from moving from Cabool to Sedalia, Missouri, and the timing just wasn’t right. With this retreat being the first week of October each year, and our move scheduled for the last week of that month, it just wasn’t a possibility. And as much as it couldn’t be helped, I still regret the fact that I messed it.

But not this year. In just a couple of days, our youth minister and I will meet up with a couple of other guys from southeast Kansas and head for the Rocky Mountains, to Bear Trap Ranch.

It will be a great time of refreshing renewal, and one that is much needed.

The past year has probably been one of the most difficult years of my life. We have moved several times throughout the years, but this one was, by far, the toughest. We have had several events happen since the move that have weighed us down, from vehicles totaled to multiple plumbing problems in the new house. We have had a couple of our kids very upset with the transition, and several meltdowns from them concerning the change. We have felt the heat of spiritual attacks over these last months.

It has been a tough season.

I’m confident that God was in this transition. I know he guided it, and that we are right where he wants us to be, where we need to be.

But it hasn’t been easy.

That’s why a ministry retreat such as Wilderness is so critical. It offers an extended period of time to reconnect with God through the pages of Scripture. It offers the opportunity to connect with others who have shared similar experiences and struggles. It allows me to strengthen old friendships and forge new ones. And all of these things serve to fill me up with the strength of God so that I can continue to serve him, in my church and ministry, as well as in my home and family.

It’s a critical part of my year, bringing a sense of renewal that helps me refocus my life on what truly matters.

I would appreciate it if you would be in prayer for me, for our youth minister, Micah, and our week, as we go to Colorado. Please pray that God renews our focus, refuels our lives, and restores our souls anew.

Question: When was the last time you retreated from the everyday routine to refocus your passion for God and his work in and through your life? Is it time to do that in your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.