Room Prep

Part of each Thursday afternoon is designated for preparing the rooms that guests will stay in that weekend. What that means is that we make sure that everything is clean, that there's enough toilet paper and soap, we check to make sure that the smoke detectors work and that the toilets aren't clogged. Basically, we want to ensure that each person coming on a retreat has a clean and pleasant place to sleep.
But this seemingly mundane process takes on significance here at Covecrest, because during room prep we also bless each room. Because each person coming brings with them emotional and spiritual baggage in addition to their suitcase full of clothes, we want to ensure that they are protected and given a spiritually clean place to reside. We also want to make sure that if through the grace of God they are able to get rid of that baggage and sin, Satan doesn't find another way back in or a new person to tempt. And so we bless each bed, doorway, and meeting space with holy water and say prayers for each of the teens (or adults) staying there.
Being reminded of those coming on retreat through praying for them also helps me to stay focused on the importance of the simple task of prepping rooms. When done right, the little things like this go unnoticed, but when neglected, they become a distraction from the greater purpose of the weekend: the Glory of God and an intimate encounter with him.