Those are the words given to me by a leader at Pacem in Terris, a prayer hermitage center where I will be taking a silent retreat next month.

I was on my cell phone walking to my van at the time and I almost burst into tears hearing those refreshing words. The wonderful people who run this prayer center have a way of doing that to me. The last time I went there they wrote a confirmation letter and said, “Let the thought of retreat refresh you until you come.”

Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone.

There are times to pull away and allow the silence to wash over us. The presence of Jesus is so real in those times. The hermitage experience allows for silence where reading is limited and the Spirit speaks freely. The optimal time is two nights, and I have been gifted with two nights this year. I know my soul is thirsty because when this dear lady said, “Prepare your hermit’s heart,” and I almost burst into tears, I knew my timing is good. I need this refreshing.