Our First Retreat - Stories from Reset: 2024
This January, a group from the Just Love Network gathered in Harpenden for a retreat setting up the year ahead. Neja, a mental health professional based in London, was with us:
The retreat was a deeply restful and relational time for me. Restful because I got to pause the rush of day-to-day life, abandon my phone, and take in the peaceful sights of Harpenden. I was filled up relationally – first by being drawn near to Jesus in worship, but also through connecting with members of the Just Love Network. The smallness of our group led to deeper connectedness of people running after Jesus and justice.
We spent a lot of time thinking about spiritual practices that bring us back to the Father and fill us up to pursue justice. A session I found especially helpful was when we all brainstormed ways to disrupt our normal flow of life to make space for Jesus. Following this discussion, I’m going to try and be more intentional with my weekly days of rest by making it a low stimulation day (including challenging myself to not listen to any music!) and praying over the week just gone (weekly examen prayer). I am also hoping to choose a topic I want to intentionally learn more about this year (and finally read some of my dust-covered books).
More than dramatically transforming all my spiritual rhythms, this retreat was a reminder that pursuing Jesus and justice is not a solo gig – it was always meant to be done in community. Having spent a couple days with people from the Just Love Network who prayed for me and encouraged me deeply, I’m now stepping back into my local community refreshed and expectant of God’s work of love and renewal.
To learn more about Just Love Retreats, and express interest in the retreats we hope to run this year, click the link below.