When Peace Like a River...or a Lake
Peace.
I have always found the words of It Is Well With My Soul to be extremely comforting. The phrase ‘peace like a river’ is such a rich visual of tranquility that only nature can bring. I often let my mind drift to the songwriters’ pain as he penned the words of this well loved hymn. How he found solace in words while processing his life’s greatest tragedy. I found myself humming this song while sitting at the lake the other night watching waves slowly crash into the sea wall. Doug and Pais took a little walk down the dock as the sun was setting and I was overcome with a feeling of humility while soaking in the peaceful scene.
Gun Lake was Doug’s dad’s favorite place. He came here with his family as a kid and passed the tradition down to Doug and his siblings. Some of my own sweetest memories of him are here…driving the boat with a smile on his face, putzing around the house working on things, enjoying lunch while watching the kids play in the water. Doug and I both commented that when we are here, we feel closer to him. At times, it does feel strange to be there without his presence, but I’m thankful to enjoy a place he loved so dearly. It has given this place deeper meaning.
The peace of this summer night near the water brought me such hope. It quietly reminded me of the peace that Doug’s dad is experiencing…one that surpasses anything we could experience or dream of on earth. While we all miss him terribly, the thought that he is in the presence of Jesus brings comfort on the bleakest days. If this simple scene: a dock, water, our pup brought peace to my tired heart, I can’t imagine what he is experiencing surrounded by the light of God. And that (while difficult to understand) brings me an entirely different kind of peace.
We love you Dad. The lake just isn’t the same without you.
Sincerely,
Ashley