"Who does this?" 

That's the thought I had this weekend in the woods of Northern Georgia. 

I surveyed my surroundings and the company I was in: a small group of twenty and thirty-somethings. 

We are an unusual people.

Last weekend, I went on a four day hike with a some friends. We learn, work, minister and hang out together. They come from different states and backgrounds, have different passions and interests, career and life experiences, personalities and priorities. 

Yet despite our differences, we all share a common bond: we're in love with Jesus. 

We've had a taste of the glorious life in Christ and we're hungry for more, eager to explore the heart of God. 

After traveling to the nations, literally all over the world, we've all been called to Georgia for a season, another common bond.

We took a few days to explore the Creator through his creation. Deep into the woods, away from every day distraction, we went back to a more simple way of life and we intentionally pursued the Lord in quiet, still spaces. 

Saturday, we split off in the woods to spent alone time with God. I was able to set up a hammock by the river and spend the day with Him. How great is that?

The Lord spoke differently to each of us, but when we got back to our campsite that evening, we all shared our day and overall, the themes we experienced were quite the same: surrender, love, trust, rest, intimacy. 

Even though we're from various walks of life, God is bringing us all to a place of love and surrender, trust and intimacy, rest in him. 

He's not just bringing the body in Gainesville to this place, but all over the world from Guatemala to the Philippines, God the Father is speaking: surrender, love, trust, rest, and intimacy. 

He's not shouting it, but he is speaking. Are you listening to the whisper?

Photos via Andrew Ingrassia