"Live the fourth." If you know this statement then you have been blessed enough to go on an incredible spiritual journey through a retreat called Kairos. In just four short days, your entire life and mindset are changed all for the better.
Through Kairos, I was saved as a person. In my most shallow of times, I was saved by this amazing retreat. I learned that not all people are bad, that everyone has a story, and most importantly, how truly incredible faith is.
I went on Kairos not knowing what to expect. All I knew was that things were about to get emotional. Through the sharing of stories and trust in each other and a safe space, individuals opened up, slowly revealing their life on a deeper level. These individuals who I had been going to school with for a couple years at this point, if not since grade school, were sharing stories of themselves you'd usually only find out if you had been by their side all along. The trust and openness everyone had with each other was an unexpected but incredible sight. I found myself not holding back with any feelings and with ease finding safety and comfort in others. Those I had not known prior to this were holding me in their arms as I sobbed. The love for each individual and our faith was so prominent. I was starting to understand the saying "everyone has a story," and I understood why some people were shy, straightforward, or uneasy about trusting in others. Each story an individual told helped shape them to the person they were at that moment, standing in front of a room full of eager listeners. These were good people, and those I had not pinned for the best of people were some of the strongest fighters I could imagine.
And the faith. I have never had so much faith than I did during those four days. I was completely confident that I wanted to live a faith filled life. I was the closest to God that I had ever been, and it was with the help of my peers. To have been filled with such faith and grace because of a group of students my age was an unforgettable experience. To have everyone so loving and faith filled was one of the most peaceful times of my life. There was no doubting of each other or of one's self. There was no greed, only selflessness. Prayers were being said and beautiful letters were being written to one another. This retreat didn't just save me, it saved us all and our faith.
I believe I am a better person because of Kairos. Though at times I may forget to live the fourth, I can always come back to my folder of FROGS, songs, and writings from Kairos and be reminded of the wonderful impact this retreat had on myself and those around me in just four short days. When things get tough or you feel as though you're losing faith, remember that you are not alone, and always remember to live the fourth.
