April 23, 2026

Nazareth Retreat Center

I finally got to do it! I've been wanting to go on Silent Retreat for years, but finances and life seasons presented obstacles to its fruition. God’s timing is perfect. 

It was as I expected—beneficial but not earth-shaking—another piece in my life's journey of abiding in Christ.

On my first day, I sat at the base of a beautiful flower bed, wet with recent rain. As I appreciated the aesthetically pleasing design and symmetry, my eye fell upon a piece of mulch. Thereon was a tiny snail. Picking it up, I admired the intricate pattern upon his shell, the tiny life form that lived because His Creator designed it so. I reflected that this minuscule snail was doing exactly as the Father intended. He was not aware of, or bothered by, the world at large. He did not “concern [him]self with great matters or things too wonderful for [him].” (Psalm 131:1b, NIV) Mr. Snail did what Mr. Snail was created to do, in the habitat God placed him, to God’s glory. He did not strive to do good works—no, he just was—but he did them, for my heart swelled with praise to our common Creator as I witnessed his life. A fitting illustration of the abiding presence we are called to in Christ. 

During the latter part of my second day, I experienced great homesickness and praised God for the husband and life He has given me—the home I get to return to. I prayed for my brothers and sisters in Christ who have lost spouses, children, parents, and friends and feel lonely, that their longing for “home” would be found in Jesus Christ, for all of us, to varying degrees, are searching for our lost Home. No human or place can fulfill our yearning for belonging and community, although our Father is gracious to give us the mercy of tangible intimacies. 

As a lover of good literature, I, of course, spent several hours in the library of the Nazareth Retreat Center. When I entered, I asked the Lord to guide me to the book He wished for me to read. He led me to a fine jewel published in 1957 by Clarence J. Enzler, entitled My Other Self. 

Here are a few quotes I especially enjoyed:

“Holiness consists of but one thing: the union of your will with Mine.”

“You know that I have said the truth shall make you free. This is the truth: every moment is a sacrament when your will is one with Mine.”

“O my God! I will this moment in all its circumstances. It is Your will; therefore, it is my will. I want at this moment nothing more than I have—and nothing less. In Your infinite wisdom, You have seen fit to bring me to this moment of my existence, possessing certain strengths and many weaknesses. I thank You for my strengths. I praise You for my weaknesses. You have given me the ability in the measure that is best for me. You have allowed me to have weaknesses in the measure that accords with Your eternal plan for me. I will it all, because it is all Your will.”

Naturally, I could go on and on sharing favorite lines, but you must read the book for yourself! I considered inquiring of Sister Francesca if I could purchase this copy, but after reflection thought better of it. It belongs to this pleasant place where others may enjoy it. I placed it lovingly on the shelf closest to the window where I sat—the window where a certain curious female cardinal mused at me for several moments, making me laugh. I placed My Other Self next to Imitation of Christ, where I hope to find it when I visit these hallowed halls again. 

“Heavenly Father, Your works are wonderful; I know it full well! You are marvelous in Your design, kind in the graces You constantly shower upon us. Open our eyes to the wonder of Your faithful love that fills the whole earth. May we fully embody the love of Christ to our fellow creatures, great and small. May we hear Your voice whispering to us on the wind, through the bird’s song, in Your Holy Word, and through the voice of our fellow man. Teach us to humbly walk before You, to love You wholeheartedly, and faithfully serve You all our days doing the good works You prepared for us to do before the creation of the world. All for Your glory and good pleasure. Amen.”

Angela Rogers - NRC Retreatant