By Paul Samuels

I’ve been to many retreats in my 72 years, and I always gleaned something from each. Sometimes I wondered why I went. But with Tres Dias, I know why:  It was a sacrifice of love so that my wife could attend. I was pleasantly surprised at the great food, comfortable beds, and the camaraderie of men wanting to go deeper with God. I left knowing I had crossed a few spiritual bridges. I felt physically and emotionally lighter after nailing the last remnants of shame, guilt, anger, and revenge to the cross—feelings I had carried for years. My wife told me she could see changes in me merely because I was wearing the Tres Dias cross. (As a Messianic Jew, I had never worn one.) When I was writing this talk, I asked her to explain what changes she had seen. “You’re more interested in prayer, especially our morning devotions,” she said, “and you are much more at peace.” I see other changes. I am no longer irritated when she repeats things six times. I even smile about it.  When she gives me directions in the car, I don’t get as annoyed. I smile, telling myself she’s just taking care of me. After 41 years of marriage, we still greet each other every morning with a real kiss, but somehow, I feel that kiss deeper and I have a profound awareness not only of how much I love her, but also how grateful I am that the Lord has allowed us to have years of service on the mission field with Mercy Ships, YWAM, World Vision and the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. When I retired, I said I was going to live a life of Saturdays, but there was always something that just HAD to be done. At least in my mind. But since Tres Dias, I am free of the tyranny of the urgent. I find joy in my avocation as a poet; and I am available to whatever the Lord shows me to do. But I have to tell you that the cream-de-la-crème of that weekend experience was when the Holy Spirit in the form of 100 or so women of God came singing praises to God in heavenly harmony as they surrounded us men and filled the room, and then apologizing and asking for forgiveness in a way that pierced the heart, mind, and soul of every one of us. I wept along with many of my brothers. Thank you, Tres Dias movement and especially, you, my sisters in Christ! Note: The author’s avocation as a poet has led to the publication of two popular children’s books,  Suppose: A Book about Liking Yourselfand Where Is Christmas, as well as Expressions of Life, poems about growing up in the Bronx. Have you given, or have you heard a fourth-day talk that you believe should be shared? Send to newsletter@tresdias.org.