The Restory Retreat Centre

  Spiritual Direction  “ What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.  “Teacher,” the blind man answered, “I want to see again.” ‭‭                                                                                             Mark‬ ‭10:51‬ ‭(GNB) The Conversation  Elements From The Conversation "The assumption of spirituality is that always God is doing something before I know it. So the task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done, but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can respond to it and participate and take delight in it."                                                   ...

  Geestelike Begeleiding  Jesus vra vir hom: “Wat wil jy hê moet Ek vir jou doen?”  “Rabboeni,” sê die blinde man vir Hom, “dat ek kan sien.” ‭‭ .                                                                                       Mark ‭10:51‬  Die Gesprek  Elemente uit die gesprek "The assumption of spirituality is that always God is doing something before I know it. So the task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done, but to become aware of what God is doing so that I can respond to it and participate and take delight in it." .                                                           ...

Photograph by Elliott Erwitt, New York City 1953 We cannot attain the presence of God because we're already totally in the presence of God. What's absent is awareness.                                                                                          David G. Benner In a previous post ( Klein Kaper ) Matilda wrote about the new arrival in the household, the kitten named Patat (Patat being Afrikaans for sweet potato and commonly used as a term of endearment especially where children are concerned). Lately he is often called Tappet as well (Tappet is an English word used in Afrikaans to describe a person somewhat rough around the edges. For some reason “tappet” just does not have a similar meaning in English). Since Matilda introduced him he has g...

Photograph by George Angus Matilda’s nephew Liam has a friend Stephan. Although being only 9 now, the 2 of them has been a fountain of wisdom over the years. A few years ago, on starting playing rugby for the first time, Stephan became very frustrated. As soon as he got the ball, he was tackled. Quite upset he told Matilda’s brother in law: “Oom William, I just can’t get my speed!” I can relate with Stephan’s frustration. Ever since we came to Barrowfield there have been so many practicalities that needed attention that it has been difficult to get my speed writing and meditating. My mind is filled with pipe diameters, the solenoid on tractor starters, pressure pumps, skylights, ropes and rigging, tending to our fathers’ health and adjustment in the retirement village, setting up internet modems, bookshelves and all the rest. In the spare moments that I get to sit at the computer, I am so tired that it is difficult to keep my eyes focused and open. I have to be honest ...

Photograph by Andrew Montgomery God comes to us disguised as our life. Paula D’Arcy In spiritual direction sessions with directees and living my life in general, this is a quote that is a constant companion. It has something to say about our daily living and our experiences. It is a guide in our relationship with God. That said, I must confess that in my dealings with this quote, I often feel like St Augustine who, on a thorny Scriptural issue, once remarked, “If you do not ask me about it, I know what it is; if you ask me about it, I do not know.” I know exactly what Paula D’Arcy is saying – if you don’t ask me what it is she is saying. On a deep level it comforts me, creates order in chaos. The moment I dress that understanding in words however, meaning somehow stumbles over its own feet. It soothes and comforts because it says that God is coming towards me. Constantly. Never ending. Unstoppable. If you are alive, God comes towards you. Fair enough....