I had to LOL after reading several different responses that all had a common theme...
One of the questions read, "What did you like about the retreat center?" To which many participants replied, "the peaceful surroundings, the beauty, the serenity, the majesty of the mountains and scenery, etc..."
A few questions down, I had asked, "What did not work well for you?" To which these same women replied, "it was too hard to get to, the road wasn't well marked, it was difficult to drive in the mountains, the road was narrow and winding, etc..."
Do you see the irony?
Sure, it may have been long, winding, narrow roads that were sometimes difficult to maneuver, but once you pulled into the retreat center and drove alongside the glass-like lake with the majestic mountains standing proudly behind and the pristine white chapel with its' steeple pointing heavenward, was it not so worth it?
And once we stand before The Throne of Grace, will the difficult roads of life be so worth it?
"For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while." 1 Peter 1.4-6.
