Ruby had not attended her church beach retreat for a few years, and secretly she was a little uneasy. She needn't have worried though. Primrose, Posey and Violet, her three new girlfriends, kept track of her. The retreat provided a way to solidify old friendships and make new connections with those she had not yet met.
The symbols on her name tag designated where she would sit for two breakfasts and one dinner, each time with a different group, thus forcing more mixing and greater chances to get acquainted.. The group was divided into smaller groups for guided discussion and prayer each morning.
Ruby's newfound confidence in her youth by being referred to as 'the kid' began to fade when the speaker for the weekend began. He was a 30-year-old who grew up in her church. He could have easily been her son, but if he were, she would be mighty proud of him. He went to seminary and now was pastor of his own church.
He spoke on Joy. The group was lead through bible passages, as he spoke on our promise of joy, how it was an ongoing state of being always there for us, even in difficult times. His talented wife would undergird his presentations by playing the piano and singing. She had a beautiful voice.
Ruby came away from the retreat uplifted and reconnected.
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