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As adjacent neighbors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s easy to see how God’s Creation surrounds Wafloy Mountain Village | Christian Retreat.  But did you realize that there are far more benefits to retreating to nature than the breath-taking scene?  God’s Creation is a gift that reaches beyond the view but also, quiets the mind, calms the nerves and lifts the mood which then can help our hearts be better prepared to hear Him speak Peace to our souls.

Over 15 years ago, in 2005,  Richard Louv coined a new phrase “Nature Deficit Disorder” in his book “Last Child in the Woods”. Louv argued that all of us, but mostly children, are spending far more time indoors than the generations of the past. His belief was that this increase makes us feel alienated from nature and perhaps even more vulnerable to negative moods or reduced attention span.

Almost 75 years ago, a similar nudge from the Spirit of God was a big reason Wafloy began.  W.A. and Floy Bell, both school teachers in Knoxville, felt it was important for people to have a place where they could fellowship together in God’s Creation. Offer a place far from the noise and hustle-bustle of 1947 city life;  a place where people could gather and commune together with one another and be less distracted in order to focus on fellowship and faith.

Suffice it to say, the hustle and bustle of most places in 2021 likely far exceeds the stressors from which the Bells wanted to offer respite. Not to mention the impacts of the past 2020 year,  which has lead to an increase of discouragement, depression and isolation for so many in society, especially the youth and elderly.

Yet, God’s Creation is still all around us. It was created for us.  It has always soothed and calmed the weary.  He has sent out His Invitation throughout the ages. We are a distracted little flock sometimes.  We are very busy overcoming, overextending or overachieving.

Isn’t it time we accept His Invitation to be still?

Isn’t it time to deliberately come away and cultivate Peace in His Creation that He provides for us?

Click this link to find availability for your group to retreat and fellowship in God’s Creation at Wafloy!

 

The Lord is my shepherd:
    I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
    He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
    He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.

Psalm 23: 1-3