It’s likely you’ve seen the refresh button on a computer, tablet, or phone. As we

activate the button, it retrieves new data or reloads our technology. The refresh function recharges a device with power or information. But humans need to be refreshed too. I’m happy to say the Women’s Retreat at my church this past weekend hit the button in my soul.

The theme of the retreat was “Refresh, Replenish, and Renew.” Of all the aspects of the theme “refresh” affected me most profoundly . Our church’s emphasis this year is on living healthy and whole. It’s a great theme but I’m discovering it can become an arduous journey to accomplishing the goal.

How do you refresh? Is there an activity or ritual that recharges you? We may attempt to refresh through a variety of means. Engaging in a hobby, hanging out with friends, or hitting your favorite workout are popular pathways to reboot. I can usually tell the wisdom of my choice by the impact it has on my mind, body, and soul.

For example, I enjoy the refreshment of a sweet iced-tea with lemon on a hot summer day. But the sweet tea doesn’t have the same nutritional value as water. A glass of water replenishes the body in ways a sugar-laden beverage never could.

During the retreat I tasted the ultimate refreshment — the teachings in Scripture. Prayer and a prolonged quiet time recharged my thought life. Prior to the retreat, challenging circumstances and life’s demands created the need for me to re-energize. Some days I felt victorious. Other days, not so much.

But after spending three days reloading grace and truth into my soul a turnaround has begun. My sister Jackie attended the retreat too. As we shared laughs and fellowship with the other women, the transformation was almost palpable. The time we spent in the mountains of Tennessee was more than a weekend get-a-way. It was about getting more of God.

I experienced more fellowship of His Spirit as I served on the leadership team with some amazing women. Our guest preacher, Dr. Gina Stewart brought powerful messages about God’s ability to restore and strengthen. And the author of 265 Point, Tamara Jackson shared her testimony of dramatic weight loss and dynamic soul gain.

As you consider what’s refreshing to you here’s some good news: we can choose what seems good or we can choose what reflects God. Knowing the difference is important because our choices can change our lives in extraordinary ways. As I consider the soul refreshment God offers, my quick fixes don’t seem to fix much. However, embracing His restoration brings hope to the heart and joy to the soul.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 NIV