Dear Friends in Christ,

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Are you carrying heavy burdens? I bet it feels like it. Even without the extraordinary challenges of illness, unemployment, or estrangement, life is hard. A friend of mine once described Northern Virginia as a place where people have terrible commutes to work long hours to pay for homes they can’t afford. No wonder we are weary.

As you read this, many of us will be preparing for a weekend together at Shrine Mont. It is a place of deep rest. Some of you will spend the weekend doing little more than sitting on a porch. You will come home with your soul restored.

That restoration is more than just an Adirondack chair. What makes Shrine Mont so powerful is not only quiet, but connection. Instead of ten-second greetings in the hallway, we are able to have ten-minute conversations. “Coffee hour” becomes literal as we stand around chatting after breakfast. I find it easier to start a conversation at Shrine Mont than anywhere else.

What makes these conversations so restorative is that they are rooted in Jesus Christ. We know God’s love through the love we share with one another.

Whether you are coming to Shrine Mont or not, I hope you will make connection a priority this weekend. So much of our culture is transactional and would pigeonhole us as workers or consumers. God wants more and better for us. Connecting deeply with another person—really seeing and being seen by them—is one of the most restorative acts possible.

Yours in Christ,
Anne+