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On a work-related retreat, one self-care activity was a daily 20-minute solo walk, without electronics, away from man-made structures, to connect with nature and the space we were in. During one of these walks, we were given a task: to seek something in nature that reflected our true nature. As I walked and reflected, all the goodness was muted by my anger, disappointment and frustration.
Suddenly, I came to understand my real task was to, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I sat down. I closed my eyes. First, I felt the stillness, then a breeze, then my heart, filling with love and power. I confessed my fears, frustration, embarrassment over my anger, and inability to cope. As I prayed, I apologized. I asked for forgiveness and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The power in my heart felt like a burning inferno. It had to be the Holy Spirit. It was the same Holy Spirit that sends me a nagging feeling when I do or don’t do something. The same Holy Spirit that provides me with power to keep doing what is right, even when I feel burned out, hopeless or tired.
This message is excerpted from “The power of Pentecost” by Roben Itchoak in the June/July/August 2025 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, 444.