Still Waters

It's still July--and I have been thinking about still waters, Karen's prompt. 

It has taken me a while. Traveling and ticking tasks and activities off my summer to-do list has been more a productive feeling than restful.

I had to look up 'still waters' to understand the reference to SJT and felt so silly that I didn't immediately recognize it from Psalm 23. I think that scripture has become so familiar that I didn't stop to think about each word in it. 

This is a good moment for me to pause, slow down and think about the words.

Google was helpful in leading me to a transcript of the sermon below by Dr. David Palmer of the United Methodist Church of Kent, Ohio. I haven't been to church regularly this summer --so I appreciated Palmer's deep reflection upon scripture...especially this part.

I've shared the photo below before. It's a cabin and pond created by family members on a piece of land purchased a long time ago. Those of us in the family that remember when the stream-fed pond was dug out still call this place, The Land...or Up on The Hill. 

The Land. Linda Mitchell photo

My entire family and many special friends have been to the land. An indescribable number of special moments from engagements, marriages and anniversaries have been celebrated there. Also, birthdays, graduations and special honors. Several generations go deer hunting there in the Fall.

The land has also been a place we've gone to on our own or in various gatherings to process a diagnosis, think over an estrangement, or gather after a funeral. All gatherings include prayers, at least before before meals, and a sense of spiritual connection to each other and the place.

Whenever, I get a chance to visit the land, now states away from where I live, I take a solitary walk to the old campfire ring to visit my ghosts. They never fail to show. I refill my love tank with memories. It is a sacred space. This bit of land with it's cabin and pond at the top of the hill is as much a member of our family as any person.

I don't know that my beloved family members who purchased the land had any idea of what good shepards they would be, signing a deed all those years ago. I don't know that I would be the person I am today without that land to visit. It is my happy place whenever I need to call one to mind. 

The owners of the land are getting on years. I'm mindful that time to enjoy the feeling of all of us is precious. If it's true that what we treasure is our treasure, this land is some of the best of mine. 

The still waters of the pond in the photo do not show any of the vibrant life that is rooted in this land. Nor can you see my deep love and respect for the people that gather here. But, this little bit of still water in this little pond is all of this to me.