10.10.10 REFLECTION

In our desert trip last weekend, one of the things we did was give students a 30 minute block to be alone with God.  We invited them to find a space somewhere within whistle distance of our main camp and they spread out into shaded spots on rocks all around.

Then in honor of the once in a lifetime date of Oct. 10, 2010 or 10.10.10 we had them do the following exercise.  (We sounded a horn between each section to indicate it was time to mentally move on and cautioned them to not move ahead or go back, but simply stick to this mental discipline as it is designed)

SPEND 10 MINUTES PONDERING THE PAST.
some things to consider:

• experiences
• regrets
• addictions
• conversations
• people
• pain
• laughter
• joy

SPEND 10 MINUTES PONDERING THE PRESENT.
some things to consider:

• attitude
• soul
• problems
• feelings
• faith
• loves

SPEND 10 MINUTES PONDERING THE FUTURE.
some things to consider:

• goals
• character 
• risks
• what will be on your tombstone or said in an epitaph
• family
• relationship with God and others
• vision or purpose

This little activity proved to be the highlight of the weekend for several of our crew- providing space for God to speak to us and to intentionally evaluate where we've been, who we are, and who we are becoming was an amazing opportunity.

We then discussed what we heard/discovered/concluded about our lives in small groups.  Discussion was lively and the entire time in small groups and the solitude that proceeded them just flew by.  

Well worth doing again not only for my own life, but in ministry in another retreat or even team meeting setting in the future.  I'd highly recommend finding a half hour slot in your life in the near future to do this exercise.  Find a time and spot to unplug and give it a try.