Hubby and I just got back from a completely "unplugged" 3-day weekend in Lake Tahoe. My iPhone is still in shock. I don't think it's ever been turned off that long. We were attending Cursillo, which is a short course in Christian living. Basically it was a Christian retreat, summer camp for adults, or something along those lines. I'm not sure I can really describe it. And maybe that's the point.
After attending Cursillo, most people won't or can't describe it to friends. There is an air of mystery surrounding the specific events of the weekend, but not because it's a big secret. It's not (as my husband feared) because they are going to lock everyone in a room and make you drink The Kool-Aid. People don't fully describe Cursillo to friends and family because it is, quite simply, an encounter with the Holy Spirit. And how do you really put that into words?
I can tell you there were Bible talks, discussion groups, singing and fellowship. I can tell you we slept in rustic dormitories, ate fabulous food, and experienced a level of hospitality that rivaled a five-star resort. We weren't allowed to wear watches, watch the football game or play Candy Crush on our cell phones. I can share with you that people from different generations, different cultures, and different churches came together and formed a temporary community that was ON FIRE for Jesus. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess that even the most jaded, the most cynical, and the most apprehensive among us felt God's love this weekend.
I've heard Cursillo described as a "Mountain Top" experience in life. Some insist it is on their "top ten" list, up there with their wedding day or the days their children were born. Those descriptions frankly made me a little skeptical of the whole weekend. Really? One weekend singing Jesus songs in the woods with a bunch of strangers and it's the best thing since sliced bread? Sounds a little fishy, does it not?
Well, I'm not really going to tell you how I would categorize my experience because again, that's not really the point. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes. Am I glad I did it? Yes.
Suffice it to say my faith is strengthened. My focus is sharpened.
My joy is multiplied.
I consider Cursillo to be a Milestone in my life. One of those Moments in Time that change you forever.
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