Think about to the last time you lived out what the Kairos retreat taught you. When was the last time you lived out each theme? When did you cry, doubt, know and most importantly, live? Being away from the retreat, it is easy to forget these important lessons Kairos has taught us. We often set back in our ways of going through the motions of faith. We forget to lean on others when we need them and love one another.
Kairos was one of my favorite experiences of high school. I was able to reconnect with my faith and talk about my faith with others. This was a time where I was able to be fully honest with myself and with others. I was also able to grow closer to my friends, family and God. With my high school’s K9 retreat coming up, it reminded me of the lessons we learn from Kairos that we often forget.
1. You are unconditionally loved.
At times it may seem like everyone is against you. It may feel like you are all alone and no one is there to help pick you back up on your feet. You are, however, unconditionally loved by God. He is always there willing to listen to you. You just have to put your faith and trust into him. He will be there to pick you up when you fall. Remember the story "Footsteps in the Sand." God carries you and helps make you stronger.
2. Be who you really are.
We are sometimes afraid of being our true selves. We start to form to what society wants us to be and we are no longer honest with ourselves or with others. Kairos taught us that it is OK to be ourselves. We learn to know ourselves through the retreat and through life. When you are doubting yourself, look to God for guidance. He will help you remember who you are what you want in life. You just have to put your trust in him. “How could you love someone else wholeheartedly until you love yourself?” Remember that you are a creation of God. You are beautiful and you deserve a happy life. Remember to show your love in action. “Real Christian love is not a trade off; it is giving when giving hurts.”
3. Everyone has a story.
Each person has a story we know nothing about. People are battling many different things. We need to remember to listen to one another and be kind. We cannot judge others based off of what we perceive. We are made in God's image and likeness and we need to reach out and help those in need. Being kind to someone in the simplest ways can make all the difference for those who are suffering. A simple smile, hello or act of kindness can show someone who is suffering that they are in fact worth it.
4. Don’t be afraid to seek out God.
It is okay to seek out more about God. We are always learning new things. It is good to evaluate your life and see where you have fallen short on your faith. Seek out God in different areas of your life that you normally wouldn’t. Do not be afraid to talk about your faith with others and share God’s message. Try different ways of worshiping God whether going to adoration, going to mass or listening to Christian music. You can also grow closer to God through the sacraments. “You do not get to know God unless you spend time talking and listening to him.” The sacraments are to make us holy.
5. We all struggle sometimes and that is fine.
People often think that struggles show signs of weakness. It is, however, the opposite. God strengthens us when we are weak. “Without a struggle there can be no progress.” We are continuing to grow as human beings. Our struggles do not define who we are. They help shape who we will become in the future. “Our lives are made by moments of impact.”
6. God is our friend.
We occasionally separate God from our personal lives. We do not always think of God as our friend who we can come to in times of need. God shines through our friends. “A friendship is two or more people that have a close relationship.” God is always there for us by caring and watching over us. We need to remember to put our trust in him and communicate with him. “Why wish upon a star, when you can pray to the God who made them?” Although at times it may not seem like it, God is pushing us to be our best. He is always watching out for us to live happy lives. “God has a dream for you. It is the same dream I have for myself, to be happy here and in heaven forever.”
