Family Reflection: A family retreat is something to consider

By Johnnie DeLeon | Guest Columnist

In Psalm 96, we hear, “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound: let the plains be joyful and all that is in them. Then, let all the trees of the forest rejoice.”
My husband and I are blessed with two precious grandsons: ages 6 and 3. Young as they are, they encourage and educate us in our faith walk. Through their innocence and openness, they remind us of the wonders that surround us.
Because of our involvement at Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center, the boys are frequent visitors to the retreat center. They love to ride around and explore the campus searching for animals, climbing trees, exploring trails and performing praise and worship songs on the outdoor stage.
They experience God’s goodness and creativity with excitement, enthusiasm and awe when they watch twin fawns race to their mamas waiting nearby or discover they can climb their favorite tree a bit higher than the last time they tried or are startled by a grasshopper that smacks them on the cheek. The twinkle in the boys’ eyes and delighted giggles provide opportunities for us to talk about how God surrounds us with amazing gifts if we are receptive to receiving them.
Our family loves spending time exploring the outdoors, but this year we found ourselves with a dilemma — some of our favorite outdoor places were not available to us. At the beginning of spring, we went to schedule our annual two-week trip to our favorite state park only to learn that it is so heavily booked we were only able to schedule five consecutive nights. What’s a family to do?
Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center has a creative suggestion for families struggling with the same dilemma. The retreat center, which is located near Burnet in the beautiful Texas Hilly Country, is blessed with 125 acres, much of which remains undeveloped. There is plenty of space for physical distancing as families explore God’s amazing nature.
Eagle’s Wings has the capacity to host up to 12 families while providing them with private sleeping quarters and restroom facilities. On-campus retreat amenities include a chapel, low-level challenge course, hiking trails, rosary garden, an outdoor stage (for skits, musical performances, etc.), outdoor volleyball court and campfires.
In addition, Chef Paul, a proponent of dessert first, expertly prepares meals that can be eaten in the dining hall, outside at picnic tables, or taken to off-campus destinations.
Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center welcomes nature lovers and invites families to consider a visit for a quiet retreat. To reserve space or schedule a tour, contact Katie at (512) 715-0017 or [email protected]. For more information about Eagle’s Wings visit www.ewrc.org.