I've known the Goffs for quite some time and have been a big fan of Britt and her business, Wheat and Honey Co. since its early beginnings. Michael and Brittany are some of the most authentic, disarming, humble, and loving people that I know. The ones that would offer the shirt off their back type of people. Over the last 4 years, I've watched from afar the birth of the Women's Seaside retreats come to fruition. Year after year I'd watch Instagram stories and posts about how intimate, refreshing, and uplifting these retreats were. Part of me was curious, and the other part was skeptical. I am an introvert at heart and the thought of gathering together and sharing a weekend with women I did not know seemed daunting. A group of women from different walks of life, experiences, and ages not knowing one another, coming together for a few days? What would it be like? Would it be relaxing? Unbeknownst to me, In September, Britt extended the invitation to help host this year's retreat.
Something I've learned, in my journey of faith, is that God loves our yes even when it feels like a seemingly small and insignificant "yes". I came in to helping host this retreat weary from the fragility of my own life and a season of grief and didn't feel like I had much to give other than my "seemingly" small yes. The night before the guests arrived, I had time to walk the beach at sunset. As I took deep inhales and exhales of the salty air coming off the crashing waves, I shut my eyes. I felt a peace wash over me and an invitation that this weekend was not just for the guests coming but that the Lord had things in store for me.
It's funny when you come into a space with open hands, hearts, and expectations just how much God can move. From meeting and greeting the women after their travel day, sharing a chef-curated meal, worshiping authentically and honestly in the infamous Seaside chapel, standing around the glow of fire-pits on the beach, to waves crashing against our outfits at the sunset-each moment was filled with intention, rest, joy, and a sacredness that I cannot quite convey in a blog post. The retreat was one of those things you have to experience to be able to fully articulate and understand.
Speaking of trying to be able to fully articulate...The little paradise that is Seaside Florida. I have to disclose that the Beach is my happy place since I live in mountainous Colorado. This destination is one of those spots that you read about in fiction books. The salty air, the quaint town square, the crashing of the waves on the pristine beaches, the coffee and pastries from Black Bear- it's all a chef's kiss. This place is one where my mind retreats to find peace and rest. It's where time pauses and you can actually breathe (and not just because of being at sea level).
I had moments, throughout the weekend, that allowed me to breathe and step into a deep soulful rest. A rest that was not expected. Moments of being encouraged by others stories. Moments of getting to grab a coffee, decorate a table, take a photo, pray, listen, and hold space. Moments of intentional connection with others and moments of solitude. Moments that I'll never forget because of the intention and permission put into them by Britt.
I came to help host this retreat and what I left with was feeling more known and cared for than I did walking in. I cannot express in words my gratitude for getting to be a small part in helping create a disarming, intentional, loving, experience for the women who attended. An experience where people were seen, heard, loved, and known.
Bethany C
Learn more about our next retreat here.