On the mountain, we experience a lot of silence. It is the perfect environment to hear the still, small voice of the One who has known us most deeply all of our lives.

I was stunned into silence, but quickly recovered so I could teach class. Don’t ask me what the lesson was about or anything about how I taught it. That memory never sank in because all I kept hearing were Jim’s words echoing through my mind.

This work has included serving several churches during their transitional seasons. Along the way, I knew this lifestyle and the need for consistent relocation would not be sustainable. God was showing me the possibilities of finding a place to call home, and that would materialize when God's timing was right.

The advantages of a silent retreat are numerous but not inexpressible. Many of these benefits are unique to each pilgrim who dares to enter a season of silence.