Saturday, 10 June 2006

Lessons from the Beach
For once, I spent an evening alone. It was wonderful. I attempted to fill up my car for the first time, but apparently $25 won't fill the tank-very much badness.

After departing from the gas station, I set out for the Stearns Park Beach. Something about tonight drew me to it and I think now I understand why. God and I needed some alone time where I wouldn't get distracted.

I saw a sunset tonight. I love it when the sun sets in the summertime over Lake Michigan. I pulled into a parking spot, wandered down the sidewalk towards the pier, and looked towards the lake. It looked like a painting, one that only God himself could make so truly grand. I saw a snapshot of the majesty of His creation, and I felt very small.

I walked along the pier towards the lighthouse, and I talked with God. It was a good a conversation and I realized why I felt far away and alone. After that realization, He showed me something.

It was quite breezy and the waves crashed against the breakwall on the outside. Once I reached the lighthouse, I looked in towards the harbor and it was very quiet. The water was barely moving and a lone mallard duck was quietly paddling along the rocks. I looked at the lighthouse with the beacon at the top and I saw the comparison that I've heard so many times about lighthouses. It seems cliché, but it felt fresh tonight. That lighthouse is a signal to the boaters, telling them where there's a place they can rest in safety. The water may have been rough out on the lake, but it was calm and quiet inside the harbor. It made me think of Heaven. Life outside may get rough and unbearable before Heaven, but inside we can drop anchor and rest in safety from all the chaos outside with God as our Protector.

Exciting news: I got an e-mail from Autumn; she is doing missions with LeaderTreks as well! Pray for her and Ben; the summer has started well for both of them and their first round of missions teams! Praise God for His faithfulness!

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice! Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice!

Currently Listening Rachmaninov: Vespers Op.37 By Sveshnikov, Staatlicher Akademischer Russ Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu see related