Marcia Horton

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Back in June this year I decided to go the “Tethered Retreat” led by Barrett and Jayne at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. I didn’t know what to expect but I will never forget our time together now. There were about 16 people in our group.

St. Francis is a special place for relaxation and contemplation. The complex provides for plenty of time for reflection and exploring the manicured grounds and trails. One of the things I liked best was walking around the large circular labyrinth.

We had meetings during the day about what it meant to be tethered to God. The main concept was a picture of a house, a barn, and a tethered rope tied between them. The barn symbolized our life experiences, be they good or bad, and the house represented God’s unending love, forgiveness, strength, and listening. It is a place of peace, safety, belonging, comfort, and love. The rope is what keeps tethering us back to God.

On the last day we each received a ring with three ropes attached. Each rope was a different color to be braided together. The meaning?... Of course- Three tethered cords braided together are not easily broken. Much better than trying to figure out everything on your on by yourself.

Always go to Him first. He will always be there and will never let you down.

Marcia Horton