Sinaia is a resort area in northern Romania. It is nestled in a deep-cut, narrow valley that runs north and south with rugged mountains jutting up on both sides for a breathtaking setting. The Doi Ponei (Two Ponies) sits up on the mountain on the east side of the valley. On top of the mountain just across the valley from the lodge there is a cross. In the early morning, the first visible light from the lodge is on that cross (a fitting setting for a winter retreat).
On the last day of Winter Retreat, little was stirring before the sun came up. I had gone down to the dining area to read in the quiet before the students began to wake up and get ready. But as the sun hit the top of that cross on the other side of the valley, I began to hear movement. In the next few minutes, an entire small group began to trickle into the dining hall. They had decided to get one more session in before the end of the retreat so they all agreed to meet at 7:00 am.
I was amazed at their dedication (especially when I learned that many of them had stayed up until 5:30 am the night before playing games and hanging out). There they were, Bibles opened and carrying on a discussion with Kimberely, their group leader, about worship.
In that moment, I had a serious reality check on my own dedication. There are days when I can’t even seem to get motivated to set aside time to read scripture – and that is after a good night’s rest. They hungered for time together and time with God.
How about you? How’s your dedication today?
Clay in the Hands 
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