I recently had my first “hermitage” experience at Pacem in Terris. I heard about this place during a casual conversation last year at a church dinner, and a seed was planted.  God then began nudging me after the new year with a gentle invitation to try it.  I resisted slightly, delayed answering with excuses about waiting for the right time, but God was sweetly persistent.  Finally, I accepted his invitation and booked my three-night stay.

Here is a picture of my hermitage named after St. Cloud:

Before the time at Pacem when friends and co-workers asked where I was going on my “vacation”, I responded with “on a silent retreat.”  Some people exclaimed with excitement – “Wow, that sounds awesome!”  (These were primarily either my introverted friends or my exhausted/burnt-out colleagues, who thought it meant I was going to some sort of spa). 

I was content leaving it at that for the moment, because honestly, I didn’t really know myself what this hermitage thing was all about.

However, after returning home and responding to questions about my time away, I found myself answering quite differently. I began using the word hermitage instead of silent retreat, because I now understood the distinction. That single word often sparked deeper conversations—people were genuinely intrigued by the concept, and it created natural openings to speak about my faith in settings where such conversations usually feel more difficult.

I am grateful for the opportunities to share and trust God will use my experience to inspire others just as He did when I first heard about it from that casual conversation at a dinner.

During my four days at the hermitage, I did some journaling—though not as much as one might expect, given how much I enjoy writing. Much of my time was spent listening, being still, and observing nature rather than remaining in a constant state of “doing.” And yet, for such a brief period of solitude, I find that now, upon returning, I could spend a great deal of time writing about it.

I started thinking about what words to use on this blog to describe my experience.  As I did so, the words poured out…

Holy, quiet, delight, snow, love, rejoice, intervention, intimate, revival, renewal, majestic, whispers, beauty, stillness, longing, rest, calm, joy, peace…

If I try to pick just one to three key words, it is insufficient.  Nonetheless, I will start with one word now and see how the others creep into future blog posts. 

Today, I use the word MAJESTY.

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.  1 Peter:16-18

I join Peter in proclaiming, I was (and still am) an “eyewitness of his majesty”!

Majesty has several definitions such as impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty; royal power; a title given to a sovereign.  God’s Majesty encompasses all these definitions. 

From a biblical perspective, majesty refers to “the supreme greatness, splendor, royal authority, and absolute dignity of God” (so Google AI tells me).  Majesty denotes God’s transcendence and power over all creation, often inspiring awe, reverence and worship. 

This comes closest to describing my hermitage experience – recognizing and embracing God’s Majesty.

During the hermitage, my time in scripture was mostly spent in the Psalms – where over and over again, God is praised and worshiped.  I rejoiced alongside the psalmists in their reverence for God’s Majesty.

  The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Psalm145:3-5 

I read somewhere that another way to define Majesty is “something that takes your breath away.” 

I agree. 

During the quiet stillness of this hermitage, I found that “something”. 

It was my God, my Jesus, my King of kings and lord of lords, His Majesty.

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Prayer inspired by Ephesians 3:14-21, written during my hermitage:

My Father,

I bow before You in awe. You created all of Heaven and earth.  Please grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit within me.  I am rooted and grounded in Love as Christ dwells in my heart. And yet, I long to comprehend with all the saints, how wide and long and high and deep is Your Love through Christ. My desire is to know this love which surpasses knowledge, and to be filled with Your Fullness. You are able to exceedingly abundantly more than all I ask!  To You be the glory forever and ever.

Amen