>After yesterdays total wipeout I wondered what this day may hold. I managed to retrieve myself from under the covers before 9am…quite an achievement!! After some reading I decided to take myself off to Powis Castle, not too far from here. Having treated myself to a National Trust membership, it was time to make use of the investment…And it was well-worth the spend! The gardens were stunning and the interior of the castle quite a sight to behold with tapestries and artwork adorning the walls and ceilings.

As I was walking around the gardens I saw some lovely rose bushes… The smell still entracing. I was reminded of that phrase “…stop, and smell the roses.” To take time…a moment, to appreciate the beauty and preciousness that is life. I may have been on my own…(joined by most of the reitred population of Powys and surrounds), but there was something special in taking the time to absorb the wonders of creation and man-made beauty! This is God’s creation – his living artwork

I shan’t tell you what I did with the rest of my day…but lets just say there are times when I am extremely grateful for mobile broadband, BBC iplayer and Youtube!!

I do wish that this time was longer the just the 5 nights that I have. I realise that it has been such a long time since I had a “Proper” holiday. In fact, it is so long ago I cannot even precisely tell you when it was. Yes, I have had the odd day here and there, and yes, there was one week in September last year… but I mean… A PROPER HOLIDAY…where you go away…10 days or  2/3 weeks with no major agenda and no “sermon” or teaching scheduled after the break… Ah yes… a “proper holiday”?!?

Well at least in these few short days I have glimpsed into what I think is “true rest”, where the cares, schedules and demands dissapate before you, where you get absorbed in the here and now of enjoyment and beauty – smelling the roses! I may not get a “proper holiday” anytime soon but I hope that in everyday life I will be reminded to “stop and smell the roses!”

Related posts:

1. >Day 3: Retreat Reflections – Total Wipeout!
2. >Day 6: Retreat Reflections – Half a day and bumps, bruises & burns!
3. >Day 5: Retreat Reflections – Eventless happenings & the book of Job?!?
4. >Day 1: Retreat Reflections – A Pleasant View
5. >Day 2: Retreat Reflections – Mixed Feelings