When Peace Like a River.

Do you have a place you retreat to in order to seek and find peace? If not, you need one. Last night, we bought some food and drink, went to Victory Park, and enjoyed a meal along the Juniata River. Perfect! As we sat, ate, laughed, and enjoyed one another's company, it reminded me of time spent with my own parents years ago. Every Sunday afternoon, we would jump in the car and go for a drive. Ultimately, we would end up in Clearfield across the river at Miller Dairy. Best milkshakes ever.....

Back to last night though. Photo opportunities were all around us. The quiet evening allowed for sounds of inbound trains, ducks softly calling to one another, and the occasional car driving over the river bridge. Then our son made the statement of the night. He said something like, "It is a 'tranquil' evening. What fifteen year old uses that word? Tranquil? Later, he would confide that he heard his dad use it in a sermon. Doh!

A walk through Victory Park was just what the doctor ordered. There is something about water, sunsets, and wildlife that seem to speak to the inner turmoil with which one might be wrestling.

Today, take a deep breath and go find a place to find respite. It is during these reflective moments when a thousand competing voices aren't screaming into our ears that God can whisper of His love, peace, joy, and hope.

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul." Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

Backstory of this lyric reveals a man who had lost his business, his son to death, and his daughters to shipwreck. In a moment in the Mid Atlantic he was told they were near where the ship sank and then penned these words. Spafford, in the midst of unspeakable pain could sense the peace and solace of God. How is your soul? Is it well with you? If not, it's time to find healing. Don't put it off.