My name is Rebekah Hutchinson. When I signed up, I didn’t know anyone and had no idea what I was signing up for. I flew across the country (literally) hungry to hear from God. To say I was nervous is an understatement. If I’m honest, I was terrified. But this retreat was one of those moments in time when my life was forever changed. The week was full of small delights. From the moment I walked through the door, I was accepted, loved, and embraced by the staff. Any concerns I had melted away as I walked through the Mercy Home, experiencing the intentionality of each space. My physical, emotional, and spiritual needs were met with deep care. It will take me a long time to absorb all the things that I received this week; here are some of the things I’ve learned:
1. I’ve learned the extreme importance and value of community. I’ve learned that I am worthy of other people’s time. That it is okay for me to take up space. That I have value because of who God created me to be.
2. I’ve learned that God loves His people intensely and fiercely.
3. I’ve learned that I have giftings I had no idea existed, and that He can teach me about these things gently as I walk with him.
4. I’ve learned that sometimes I have to slow down and just receive. That I can’t always be the giver, and that is a beautiful thing because it forces me to listen in a different way.
5. I’ve learned that God deeply loves me and is excited to spend time with me whenever I give it to him. That He is with me in each moment and is not afraid or annoyed by my questions, in fact, He delights in them and me.
6. I’ve learned that asking requires listening. And listening requires intentional space and time. When I leave here, I will make intentional space and time.
And most of all, I’ve learned that I can and DO hear God’s voice. He is gentle and compassionate. That He loves me and considers me more than I could EVER ask or imagine. I have learned that He is big. Like very Big. He knows the desires of our hearts and often answers them even when we don’t know what to ask. That He’s a God of depth and wonder, and that I will NEVER find an end to the beauty of learning and growing with him. If the opportunity comes up, I will say yes to a Mercy Retreat again. This retreat is something I wish everyone could experience. I am already working on getting several of my friends and family to attend. If the opportunity opens up…. SAY YES! You will not regret it.