R-E-T-R-E-A-T, this seven letter word was such a long wait. The very moment we stepped on our Retreat place, Saloma sa Kinaiyahan, I uttered a promise to my self "I HAVE TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY. I NEED A BREAK AND THIS IS IT!"
I learned and realized many things. I was caught off-guard. Imagine those moments that I never showed love and understanding to my self. I had been to busy. I had been too preoccupied to notice the wonders of life. I had been swayed by my negative views. Like a speeding bullet, realizations came over and it hit me right into my heart. The words of Father Ariel Garcia made me not just teary-eyed but overwhelmed.
There were many events that happened into my life that I took for granted. There were many roadblocks that I permitted to swallow my self. If not because of the retreat, I could not realize how far I had been. How selfish can I get, when in fact my parents, family, friends, classmates and teachers were there extending their support and patience.
W-O-A-H. I really enjoyed the feeling of being so close to nature and close to God. There I cried so hard pouring out my deepest sentiments and problems. There I confessed my unworthy sins. There I asked forgiveness. There I felt God's love and embrace. As I was enjoying my climbing moments at the top of the Durian tree, I really felt so free! Free from the stressors in life, family, school and others. Nonetheless, I learned to value my time, my self and my relationship with God and my family.
Heavens, I felt like I am back to the same old Lesly who once showed a sweet smile, a warm mood and a friendly gestures. If not because of this retreat, I could be the monster looking so stressed and pressured. And now I can attest that
I am R-E-N-E-W-E-D!
Praise God!
