Pitiful. Awkward. Boring. Or in today’s vernacular, “whack.” I’m being honest here, and it’s only my opinion, but that’s how I remember many singles retreats back in the days of my singleness. Pitiful, because these things were berthed when couples, who, after experiencing euphoric romantic excursions, felt woefully sympathetic. Awkward, because all thirteen of us (usually something like eleven women and two guys ranging in age from nineteen to fifty-seven) were there under the pretense that our only chance of marital bliss existed within the four walls of a tiny Howard Johnson’s banquet room. Boring, because it just was. And whack, because it was boring.
But I’m not bitter. That was a long time ago.
This weekend, however, being Singles Pastor Extraordinaire I had the great blessing of experiencing something much different. Lora and I, along with Kenny, Bethany, and friends, Wayne and Shennetter Maynard, spent a few days in the Virginia mountains with thirty-six single adults. Looking back now I have to say that it was one of the most fulfilling group getaways I’ve ever been a part of. An obvious plus was the array of beautiful homes we stayed in, one of which had nine plasma TVs, a built-in theatre and a real English pub. Not kidding.
But there was so much more. I can’t summarize everything that happened since Wednesday night, particularly from the perspective of more than forty people. But while it’s fresh on my mind I’m gonna blog a few of my personal standout memories.
#1—Arrived at Wintergreen sometime after 3 a.m. Thursday morning (me, Lora, Michala, Liv, Courtney and Ebony). Loaded the Expedition after church and traveled in dense fog and rain to find that our aforementioned mansion had no key in the lockbox. So we crashed the house reserved for the guys. Goldilocks style. Our house was ready the next day, and we left the guys’ house in pristine condition. They still don’t know.
#2—Drove forty minutes to Charlottesville to buy breakfast groceries for forty people. Somebody accidentally mistook oatmeal for grits, and some old ladies stole Liv’s cookie-baking butter.
#3—Twenty-five of us stormed one of the resort’s restaurants to their recession-conscious delight. Halfway through my Philly cheese steak, Vicky stood up to reveal her custom-made T-shirt. It featured a photo of herself and yours truly with the words in bright red letters, “#1 Single.” A prearranged barrage of photoflash from the rest of the group was a really nice touch. Love you, Vicky D.
#4—The Friday morning session revealed the players on the red and blue teams. The spirit of the group was high. I spoke on the theme, “Alone In His Presence,” referring to the examples of Jacob, Moses, and Peter who were changed by being in the presence of God. We got really personal about things, and I believe the Lord broke down some difficult barriers.
#5—Lora and I found a tiny grocery store that was only ten minutes away. This time, it was for dinner food. Cash only though. Yikes! We had 125 bucks. It all came to $124.50. I did my best on the grill and, after two hours of smoke inhalation later that evening, we ate. Thomas figured out the complex audio system so that Bree could bless us in song. Pastor Kenny challenged us that night from Psalm 16 about fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord.
#6—Had a serious conversation with a single who shared some changes God was making in their life as a result of the message earlier. I was equally shocked and encouraged.
#7—The night was still young and free time was on the agenda. There were dangerous and silly card games, at least 20 rounds of silent killer and old-fashioned hide-and-seek. Ben never stopped talking. MJ was terrified of truth or dare, and Jon fell off the ottoman at least twice from laughter. Lights out around 3 a.m.
#8—Woke up at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Miraculous. Mom drove up to speak to the ladies. Pastor Kenny challenged the guys about being mighty men of God. Bro. Wayne spoke about financial freedom. Good biblical application despite his personal disdain for QVC. “Three easy payments?” How would they know whether or not it’s easy?
#9—Final session competition between the two teams: First, write and perform a skit on the topic of “jealousy.” Second, arrange and sing a song. The red team managed to score big on both contests, but not enough to thwart the blue team’s overall weekend victory. Cynthia Brent was voted “Retreater of the Weekend.”
#10—Ashleigh sang a cappella. Wow, did she ever! So very proud of you, Ash! Stirring testimonies accompanied by laughter, tears and admissions. Nobody wanted it to end.
I really, really love these people. And despite my run of the mill attempt at a recap, I want to reiterate. This was an amazing retreat!
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