After a long 38-week course, I was deeply excited and looking forward to our final retreat with nine other companions. I had even planned to bring along my canvas to paint outdoors, as the retreat centre sat on a hilltop surrounded by lush greenery. It would have been my very first time painting scenery in the open, and I eagerly anticipated the quiet joy of holding the brush in my hand, listening to the Lord, and letting His impressions flow onto the canvas.

But that plan was disrupted—the rain came, and I couldn’t go outdoors. Still, I thought perhaps I could paint indoors while gazing out at the beauty of creation. Yet, as the retreat unfolded, I found myself without the solitude I had hoped for. Apart from lunch, our time was spent together, reflecting on Scripture.

That day, we meditated on John 21. We were invited to place ourselves in the story, to reflect on obedience, on “feeding” others, and on our personal journey with the Lord. It was a meaningful, soul-searching time. Though I couldn’t paint as planned, I found myself painting inwardly—reflecting on His love, His grace, and His call in my life. I left feeling refreshed, though not fully replenished, and with a longing to experience this kind of retreat more often.

Lately, I’ve noticed how easily I fill my days with little personal projects and “chores.” Somehow, I keep postponing that sacred time of being alone with the Lord—listening to Him, being filled by Him. Deep down, I know this is what my soul needs most. I have resolved—not just in my mind, but prayerfully in my heart—to set aside at least four retreats a year, however simple, to be still with Him.

As for my painting, I finally managed to sneak in a quick session during lunch. I completed only about 60% that day, and finished the rest later from memory—adding in a monkey I had seen on one of my walks. When I now look at the finished piece, I sense peace. The rain that day had brought a calm, almost somber atmosphere, which found its way into the mood of the painting. It reminded me of Isaiah 55:10:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater…”

Truly, the Lord had a better plan for me that day—one that I could not have orchestrated myself.

Yes, Lord… Your plan is always better.