Catholics and their funny terms always confused me. I do not know why there are so many ‘old’ names like formation, fellowship, retreat, ministry and wordie-words like that. Why can’t they use easier to understand words like seminar,gathering,weekend-getaway and groups? Oh well, it is a faith that is 2,000 years old, what do I expect?
I was as usual, the little lost one. I thought it is compulsory attendance as we were informed like 2 months ago to keep these dates free. I thought it is a ‘lesson-style’ sort of seminar. I thought it is free.
But it turns out that we have to pay but thank God, the church subsidized 50% of the cost as it is not cheap. It is not compulsory to attend! And no, we are all adults and capable, so no lessons were needed. So, why was I there? Oh well, because I was the blur sheep who didn’t know what is a retreat.
I am glad I was dragged there due to my own misinformation. If I know that it is not compulsory, do or die kind of thing, I probably would have shirked my duty. There are thousands of excuses I can find not to go.
So, what did I learn?
1) My little boy needs me more than I ever imagined. I know I am so loved and so important to him.
2) My hubby took care of the home and kids so well without me.
3) I am reminded that I can be who I want to be, with God’s grace.
4) Priorities in our lives change with time. I hope someday, I will put God ahead of everything else. Well, except for family, of course.
5) I am not such a rotten Catholic after all!
6) I could endure sleeping with strangers in the same room!
7) All those people that I hardly know during my regular trips to church have a lot of things to share if we take time to listen.
8 ) I discover how important the role of the lector is to the whole liturgy.
9) I had the best time laughing my arse off.
10) 2 days/1 night passes by so fast and I can actually live without my laptop. But not wifi, not yet.
So, do I want to go to another retreat? Oh no! Not at least for a long time. I miss my baby. My baby misses me. I miss my bolster and bear too. And my other kid, in trying to pacify a love-mommy-sick little brother, pretended to wear my t-shirt and told his baby brother he is mommy. And little boy said, “Looks like mommy, smells like mommy but not 100% mommy.” Sigh…I shouldn’t talk about V.K. Lingam with five years old kid.
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