How often have you had the same scripture  or scriptural sentiment pop up in front of you from various sources within a short frame of time, and totally unexpected? And even the first time it appeared, did it resonate? Did you recognize even then that it was something you needed to hear?

At almost every women’s retreat I’ve attended in the last decade, it seems at least one woman has reported that happening to her during her away time. This happened during the past weekend, after “silence” was “broken” when we came together and shared as a group. One woman shared a verse that showed up four times for her during the few short days, and it addressed something important personally for her.

We (the group) had the same sort of thing happen with the daily flip calendar that the director likes to set out on the snack table, propped open to the day’s date, so that anyone looking over the table will notice and hopefully read the day’s message on it. 

Yesterday as I passed by, I stopped to read… and saw this:

At first I suspected the director had purposely bought a calendar with a stillness theme throughout. But no, I flipped the cover shut and saw… this:

And I did page through the little volume, and didn’t happen on any other thoughts about silence or stillness. Only for Saturday, October 13th, the day that we had set aside totally for silence.

After that I noticed, in the small retreat center where we’d gathered, these, as well:

and

That really isn’t so surprising at a Christian retreat center, but they did stand out for me after I’d read the calendar’s devotion for the day–and considered that this was our first time to use this venue, and as far as I know there are no other silent retreats held there.

So I share the devotion with you, above, because it certainly is appropriate “found wisdom.” And it seems like it wants especially to be read.

Peace!

*****