The first time I participated in C-WIT was the in-person retreat in 2019. I was invited to attend, but even after reading the application form multiple times, I couldn’t understand what kind of seminar it was. I had never heard of “contemplation” or a “retreat of solitude and silence,” and I didn’t know what to expect, though I gathered it had something to do with prayer. I was intrigued by seeing the name “Sachi Nakamura” among the session leaders, and my curiosity led me to attend, even if I didn’t quite understand what I was getting into. After that, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I was grateful that they regularly held the retreats via Zoom.
The “ideal day” I envision involves waking up feeling refreshed, spending quiet time in devotion before the Lord, and planning the day. I wake my children, prepare breakfast, pack their lunches, and send them off to school. My two sons are high school students and take the local bus to school. After they leave, I enjoy a leisurely breakfast and finish household chores in the morning. I might then have tea or lunch with people from my church, or spend time on my hobbies. On pleasant days, I enjoy a relaxed afternoon, and later, my children return home. I prepare dinner, and we gather around the table to share stories from the day. After cleaning up, I have some time for reading or watching a movie. This kind of day gives me a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
However, my “ordinary day” looks like this: I jump out of bed, startled by the loud phone alarm. I wake up my kids, repeatedly nudging them, but they don’t get up easily. At the last minute, they get up, and then it’s, “Oh, by the way, I need this form signed for today!” I respond, “Why are you telling me now? You should have told me earlier!” We go through a hectic morning battle before they finally head off to school. Even after they leave, I might get a call saying, “I missed the bus, please drive me,” or, “I forgot something, can you bring it?”—which maxes out my frustration! After finally settling down, I tackle the mountain of laundry and chores. Then, the kids return home, and it’s, “I’m going to play with friends, can you drive me?” Before I know it, it’s already time to prepare dinner. I call out, “Dinner’s ready!” but no one comes. I yell, “It’s getting cold!” and eventually, they show up. We do manage to pray together, which I’m grateful for. Sometimes, I’m so hungry I start eating early. After dinner, faced with a mountain of dishes, I feel like I’m going to faint. I clean up, and then my head is filled with tasks for the next day, leaving me mentally and physically exhausted.
This is just a part of my life. Unexpected things come up, and there are plenty of church duties and preparations too. There were times when I worked, and some days, I feel disappointed for not accomplishing everything. There are days so chaotic that I can hardly recall what I did. It often feels like I’m constantly being chased by something, and it doesn’t feel like I’m communing with God.
In C-WIT, they offer a time to quietly reflect on the theme of “holy ordinary days.” I didn’t initially feel that my everyday life was holy at all, but through each retreat, I’ve come to treasure the habit of stilling myself before the Lord, listening to His voice, and pondering on what He reveals. I’ve always liked to think and reflect, but setting aside a special time to come before God, soaking in His presence, and praying surrendering prayers has invigorated my spirit. Now, I long to hear more from the Lord, to reflect on my life, and to give thanks for the good He’s done. The regular C-WIT retreats have influenced my everyday life too. They’ve taught me that even short moments of quiet reflection—like during a walk—are perfect opportunities to connect with God, and it’s okay if I miss a day. It’s made me realize that the holy presence of God is woven into the fabric of my ordinary life. Just as Jesus spent time with people in their daily lives, I’ve come to see that getting to know the Lord happens in my ordinary, everyday routines.
Though I’m still busy, I now embrace the words:
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” (Psalm 16:8-9)
In this spirit, I want to find joy in walking through my “holy ordinary days” with God, laughing and sometimes crying along the way.
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Next C-WIT:
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (Pacific Time)
Location: Zoom (link will be sent to those who register)
Registration: https://bit.ly/C-WIT24
Contents:
– Instruction
– Testimony: Chisato Fukuda
– Reflection time (guided meditation for individual quiet time)
– Small group (listening and sharing)
Participation fee: Free
For the Zoom link, please register via DM or through the site.
Contact: USHQ@jcfn.org
C-WIT Planning Committee:
Sachi Nakamura, Daisuke Tsuchida, Megumi Kurata, Yuko Ozeki, Makiko Nakao