Recently, someone posted in my Kairos Facebook group, and it got me thinking again. All of the memories from that weekend came back. It was an unforgettable weekend to say the least. A Kairos connection is like no other, and I would do anything to go back on that retreat.

It was a cold weekend in January and midterms had just finished. I was tired and just wanted to sleep quite frankly, but my friends told me that I had to go on a Kairos retreat before I graduated. I was hesitant, but figured why not.

I had so much homework to do and I wasn't really thrilled about giving up my weekend. It was the second semester of senior year and I had so much going on that needed to get done. Last minute college applications, end of semester projects, and everything and anything in between. The first night there I was feeling a little underwhelmed. Everyone had come back from Kairos so happy and full of joy. Everyone was always saying how you needed to go on a Kairos retreat. I was confused. What was I doing wrong? Why was I not getting the most out of Kairos?

Well, I wasn't doing anything wrong except jumping to conclusions. I realized the next night that my life would forever change because I had chosen to stick with the retreat. I think it is good advice for life. Never give up on something just because you don't like it at first. You never know if something is going to change your life. Give it a chance, and life may surprise you in a good way.

Although I think the mystery behind Kairos is what gives it the special feeling, I will tell you that you will learn things that you have never learned before and you will learn to know people that you thought you knew in a way you never thought possible. Senior year of high school you pretend to have life figured out. You think you know everything about everyone, and the truth is, you probably know nothing at all.

There is more to people than what they appear to be. High school is a time where we are all trying to be cool and smart and funny and nice and athletic and artistic all at the same time. In reality, we just need to be ourselves and be proud of that. We shouldn't be afraid to tell people who we are. Kairos taught me that. Everyone has a story that has shaped them. No one should be afraid to tell their story. We should always be willing to listen.

So, in conclusion, if you have the chance to go on a Kairos retreat, go. Have an open mind and give it your whole heart. It will be an experience like no other. Taking the time to take a break from life for a weekend will be the most rewarding thing you can give yourself. There are really no words to explain Kairos, only feelings. So trust me on this one, just go and learn for yourself what Kairos is all about. You will learn to live a better life and you will learn to love to appreciate everything and everyone, and you won't regret it.

LT4