“Kai-High” from Kairos III

On January 7-9, 2022, juniors and seniors attended the Kairos III retreat. Kairos, meaning “God’s time,” is a weekend for juniors and seniors who want to grow closer to God and each other. 

“We built a friendship with God through prayer and adoration,” said junior Chloe Hilsman.

This is the third year Academy has offered this special time, hence the III. What happens at Kairos stays at Kairos, but there are a few lessons learned that are definitely worth sharing without sacrificing the special moments from the weekend. 

1. No matter your past, God is waiting for you, ready to heal you. 

This was made clear in different talks about finding God in the struggles in life, and about looking back on your struggles in the past and finding God in them. God was always there. And no matter what you have done, He is ready for you to come back to Him. 

2.  Just trust Him.

Ok, easier said than done. I know that personally. But, once you open up to Him and start talking to Him, trusting Him with everything will be the best move you can make. Trust me.

3. Joyfulness is not what you’re thinking.

Being joyful even in hard times does not mean not being concerned. True joyfulness is recognizing that, even when life has its challenges, God is there the whole time. It brings joy to the worst of situations. It is not a constant, “I’m so happy!” mood, but rather that God’s presence brings true fulfillment and joy in all times.

4. True validation and worth comes from God, not a boy or your grades. 

I’m just going to say it: these things aren’t going to fulfill you. I’ve tried it; all of the attention you seek from these things and the validation you feel through it is completely understandable –we just want to be loved. However, God loves us more than anyone else ever could, and He loves us for us, not for what we do or accomplish. Searching for your worth in your grades or that boy you’ve been talking to is just going to hurt you worse because you will always be missing something. While these things are good, our true worth cannot come from them. 

5. Following God is a daily commitment.

“We have to choose to follow God everyday, it is not a one-time commitment,” says junior Mary Grace Nash.

This daily commitment you make to Him allows you to freely make the choice to follow Him every day. It also keeps you focused on Him when you aren’t on a retreat high, and it keeps you connected to your faith even when it is hard. 

While killing puppies was the only thing we can say happened on this retreat (if you know you know), these messages helped me, and I hope it helps you too. 

*Disclaimer: No people or puppies were harmed on this retreat.