Deeply Rooted Treasures

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

I thoroughly enjoyed our Hillside Men’s Retreat and the set aside time we had for fellowship, encouragement and instruction at the beautiful Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach this past weekend. I was able to discover and take away a few beach treasures from our retreat. Not necessarily agates, although I did find a few, shells, or drift wood that looked like Gandalf, but treasures from trusting in the Lord and in getting to know you better.

It is at these set aside times where I hope to find a treasure of rest and rejuvenation. Sometimes just getting away from my daily and weekly routine of work, chores, responsibilities, cares and anxieties and resting in the Lord is vital. I found rest at taking a long walk on the beach with the warm sunshine, gentle ocean breeze and healing waves. It was as if with each step in the sand the layers of stress and anxiety fell off my shoulders. I felt light-hearted and at ease playing Uno with various guys and in learning a new card-matching game with Adam and Gary. By Sunday, I felt tired and needing to sleep in my own comfortable bed without all of you snoring around me, but I still felt completely rested.

In our times of devotions, services and small groups I found treasures of God’s Truth and worship with brothers. I am encouraged when men sing and worship together and I was blessed by Pastor Dennis and Ruben leading us in praise and adoration to our Savior. I felt encouraged and challenged by our Deeply Rooted theme and messages. Pastor Dave challenged us to be deeply rooted Godly men, submitting to God’s governance, impacting our roles as a husband, father and friend. Pastor Matt shared how we can be deeply rooted in our spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study with the morning sun shimmering across the lake behind him. I hope my messages of being deeply rooted in love in working with difficult people and in your leadership role in the church and the mission of God encouraged you as well.

My favorite treasure from our men’s retreat over the weekend, however, was the opportunity to get to know you. You, your story, your friendship, your laughter, your care, your service, your time is what I treasure the most. From playing card games, trying to throw discs against wind and make it into a chain basket, sitting in the awesome beach fire-pit-fort sharing stories, having coffee around the fireplace, grilling dogs & sausages, eating lasagna and steak together, and through small group or one-on-one heartfelt conversations. Those are the moments I treasure. Thank you, my Brothers, for making this retreat one to remember, and I hope you feel refreshed in being deeply rooted in the Lord and with one another.