John and Lisa's Blue Skies Blog – Soaring with God

“Seek the welfare of the city to which I have sent you.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to make a one-day retreat to Richmond Hill, an ecumenical retreat center located in what used to be the Monte Maria Monastery of the Visitation Nuns in Richmond.  As I’d been feeling “overdue” for a retreat, for some time away from my duties and every-day life, I confess that I’d been ranting and railing to God about how much I hate the city.  About how much I want peace and quiet.

As I drove to Richmond, I encountered traffic problems and delays.  I figured God was deliberately making me suffer – and I resented it.

Then as I approached the front door of the retreat center, I saw their motto above the door (the original motto of the monastery):  “Seek the welfare of the city to which I send you.”   Hanging in the window of the book store/gift shop, I spied a t-shirt with the same motto on the back.

I got it!  (The message and the t-shirt!)  God wants me (us) to seek the welfare of the city, to pray and do good, to share His love with everyone we meet.  Are you up to the challenge?  I am.  Now.