The Louisiana Preschool and Children’s Ministers Association Annual Retreat was recently held at Tall Timbers. 
   I have always enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with other Preschool and/or Children’s Ministers from around the state. Churches of all sizes and shapes with similar concerns and challenges as well as different ones are represented.     It is good to see people I have met over the years as well as have the chance to meet new fellow ministers.  
   Since this was the first retreat for David Anderson, the new Children’s Ministry Strategist for LBC, he wanted the focus to be on sharing with each other instead of bringing in a speaker. 
   Monday afternoon was spent getting acquainted and doing team building exercises.
   Normally the evening runs quite late, but this year I was able to stay after the evening worship to play a rousing game of Spoons with about ten others.
This was another great way to interact with my colleagues.
   After breakfast on Tuesday morning, a CD of familiar hymns played softly in the background during our quiet meditation and prayer time.  While meditating I gazed out the windows of the Magnolia Room to see that fog and mist had settled over the lake, further adding to the serenity.
   I spent some of the time praying for others - those who are in the hospital, those making life changing decisions, those facing challenges in their lives, those who are away from home or those who are hurting.  
   Despite the soft background music, I could still hear the birds outside.  Although it is still Winter, I can see Spring trying to emerge as the trees begin to turn green. 
   I find that Tall Timbers can be a time of rest and renewal, a place of refuge.
   Next, our group brainstormed about what we wanted the LPCMA to be and become.  We also spent time sharing ideas about activities and ministries our churches were involved in.
   These retreats always seem to end too quickly, but I can always look forward to next year. 
  Each time I attend one these retreats, I am reminded of how grateful I am for the community of faith we call Emmanuel.