Kairos Days Retreat – The Original Vision

For one blissful day at the beginning of the first lockdown of the pandemic I took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and sat in the garden reading ‘Sabbath – The hidden heartbeat of our lives’ by Nicola Slee. As I read, I was reminded again of how, during my time as a minister in pastoral charge I had found great value in spending a day apart with no agenda, just to be and to spend time with God. I thought of these days as true sabbath days when I didn’t take any work with me but rested, reflected, sometimes read; meditated; walked; painted; collaged with whatever I found in nature. On these days, even though it was often not far from home as I drove towards whatever the day held for me, I found the weight I was carrying slip from my shoulders. This was my time - my time with God not in any pious sense but I was open to meet God in whatever the day bought my way.

I have long believed in the power of spending time in nature to bring refreshment, replenishment, and healing; to bring us back to ourselves and to a deeper connection with the Creator of all. One of my favourite places was a small Dominican Priory where they had chickens, a vegetable patch, a small chapel and a guest room where lunch could be provided. There was always something going on to look at or join in with, a small craft room and one of the nuns to reflect with at the end of the day. I found these times so valuable. without even thinking about issues, I would find I had gained insights and new perspectives and always the personal insights into faith and direction- God’s gift of grace.

It was so helpful to weave this into the rhythm of my ministry along with regular retreats, someone to enable me to reflect on my ministry and practice - pastoral supervision as we are calling it today - and 'spiritual direction' whether formal or informal.

That blissful day in 2020 rekindled a long-held passion in me to encourage ‘ministers’ to take time apart from their busy and often stressful world. I also recognised that God was calling me to something new and was rather surprised as it became clear the call was to 'early' retirement with a vision to provide a place where the things I had valued could be offered to others. When we found our new home, with its 2 acres of land, we knew the space was ideal to realise the dream of a place of Sabbath retreat where people know they will find a warm welcome and their needs will be respected.

We are preparing a planning application for a Garden Room and a luxury brace of Shepherds Huts - accommodation for an individual or a couple where some of the things I valued will be found. The Garden Room will be a light and airy space for time apart. There will be comfortable seating, heating, kitchenette with hot/cold water, toilet and shower, craft activities, books to dip into, projects in the garden you can join in with - if you want to get your hands dirty, a labyrinth to walk plus the beauty of the area with views across the fields and local walks to experience the vast open skies of rural Lincolnshire that seem to seep into your soul.