Ponder for January 2026 #scheduleyourspiritualtuneuptoday
It’s that time of year… time for my Camry’s semi-annual oil change. I love the place that services my Camry as the techs aren’t pushy and a car wash is always included. As soon as all of the necessary work is done, I head right to the gas station to fill the tank. I now own a clean car - inside and out - and the tank is full. Driving home afterward is one of the most contented commute minutes I have. What a delightful feeling.
I wonder if we can view our spiritual life like that… What if we scheduled a routine check-up every year? What if we scheduled a retreat once every 360 days to look under our spiritual hood, tune-up whatever makes us run, and spend a little time repairing what might have gone wrong or wore down over the past year?
Yes, it takes a bit of research up front and we need to be prepared for an experience that isn’t ideal. Look around for a Catholic retreat center that fits your needs. Need a personal silent retreat out in the middle of the woods, like Henry David Thoreau at Walden? Try Pacem in Terris up in Isanti. Need river water and silence? Head up to Dunrovin Retreat Center on the St. Croix River. If you are good at “directing” yourself or just want some time to read books and be with the Lord, those are a couple of great options.
If you prefer to be lead by a retreat master or would like a gender specific retreat, give the Franciscan Retreat Center in Prior Lake (women or men weekends, silent options) or the Jesuit Retreat House/Demontreville (men only and silent) in Lake Elmo a try.
Feel like a road trip to get further away and avoid anyone you know? Look at Christ the King on Buffalo Lake in Buffalo. Want to go even further? Give Broom Tree in Irene, South Dakota a call.
You may enjoy your experience, or you may not. That’s part of the discernment process and the adventure of attending to your spiritual life! I tried a number of different garages/car dealerships before I landed on one that gave me the experience I wanted, so I shouldn’t expect finding a retreat center that ‘speaks my spiritual language’ to be any different. The important thing is to start the adventure with an open mind and heart. #scheduleyourspiritualtuneuptoday