Saturday, May 05, 2012

Dinner for Two

Ruth, a dear friend and our PWOC Prayer Coordinator, gave the local board an amazing gift last night. I knew Ruth was a woman with a passion and calling for prayer when I invited her (o.k., maybe I begged her a bit) to be on the board this year.  It has been incredible and inspiring to watch Ruth follow her passion in this position. She's prayed for us and with us.  That is what I expected.  She also planned Prayer walks - which continued right through the winter. Recently, we began to add onsen trips after the walk - because you were COLD after an hour of walking the track in the snow. 

When I pitched MOCA (Mom's of College Aged) in the fall and told her I'd like to get a prayer group for  moms with older kids started - she ran with it. 


Earlier in the year she shared a time she had with Father God. It resonated with me. I had experienced similar last May when the family went to the states and I was "home alone." We agreed she was going to pray about how to recreate a  nice dinner for two - you and God - for our board. 


Meanwhile, the year continued....a new PWOC prayer group began....and our retreat team began work on this year's retreat which is focused on "Kingdom's Treasures -  Spiritual Disciplines."  I am speaking on Secrecy/Solitude and Surrender (and Simplicity at W.I.L.D. - seems to be an S thing going). ::SSSSnort::  Michael encouraged, and deep down I felt led,  to go away and practice this solitude and silence I was studying about and preparing to speak about. 


Ruth picked a date for Dinner for Two.....This was a  PERFECT time of preparation and pulling away for our board before we pour ourselves out at retreat in 13 days! It was a reminder of why we do what we do in the midst of a very busy season for many of us.  It was also a spectacular end to my days of solitude. It was such a God-thing and I'm so honored to have been a part of this leadership team. 


Last night Ruth gave us a precious gift...she led us into silence and solitude with Jesus.  She'd thought of every detail. We entered the room and the tables were set with one place setting at each one ....and situated so you faced the wall with your back to all. 


The meal was simple...and the moment felt so holy that soup and corn muffins were perfect...with a bit of fruit and ice cream near the end. She chose plastic silverware so there wouldn't be clanging - she thinks of everything!  As I helped her serve the ladies their meals I felt it was a holy moment.

Yes...our fun-loving board was quiet...silent...and God met each of us, I believe. Some read, some prayed, some journaled...some were nervous about what in the world you'd do for a couple of hours if no one talked....but I don't think anyone ended up being bored in the end. ::wink:: I suspect each one has a story she could share of how God met her for dinner.....but see it's secret...so I wanted to share the idea and experience...but I'll just keep the revelations to myself for the time being and savor them (another  nice S word). ::wink::



I have come to love these ladies dearly! God did a good thing when he knit this year's team together. I'm excited to see what He will do in the lives of next year's leadership team.

Shhhh....don't tell Ruth I said all these nice things about her....but really I want to capture the night and remember it in our family journal....I love that Ruth agreed to be on the board....she's my very same age and has a son graduating in a couple of weeks too.  I'm going to miss you, Ruthie. It has been pure joy to watch you make this position YOURS rather than "do what the list says to do."  We were all blessed by your care and service last night. Thank you!

BTW - I'm not totally callous - I went in before everyone and got photos...and then Ruth and these gals agreed I could take a couple of  photos right at the very start....then the camera disappeared...I was busy having dinner for two myself. LOL


Ruth - one of my favorite memories of the year
but we still have a month left! 
Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

wonderful and PTL! love/prayers - mom T.