Peace

Driving along the south shore of Lake Crescent in mid October is an awesome experience. The yellows scattered across the green hillsides reflect across the water. The water is still as glass. The hills, the greens, and the yellows in the bright sunlight like the original Impressionist canvas. Every turn brings on a new vista, but I whip past the turnouts and picture opportunities because I’m on a mission. I don’t have time to stop!

Climbing out of the Lake Crescent basin gouged by an ancient river of ice, we hit the reds dabbed across the hillsides. We oh and ah, but, I’m on a mission. No time for a picture! We gotta get there! Perhaps on the way home they sun will still be out and there’ll be time.

We conclude our visit and head home in the late afternoon, still in daylight. However, while were inside the Big House with our friend, the clouds had rolled in from the ocean. I stop at chosen spots for pictures of the firestorm on the hillsides and roadsides. By the time we get to Lake Crescent, however, the brilliant colors are faded in the fast growing twilight. A light breeze on the water has ruffled the surface. Although we stop at a few places, I’ve passed every opportunity for capturing that most glorious the original Impressionist’s artwork.

God used this picture to remind me of one of the themes He has been working into my life lately. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable. Too often in life I’m in a hurry. I whip by opportunities to slow down and capture what He is doing. I delay doing until the clouds of struggle have obscured the opportunity or the stress has ruffled the waters of my day. When I’m stressed, when I’m struggling, when I’m hurrying, I can’t see the reflection and beauty as clearly. When I’m stressed, when I’m struggling, Jesus’ reflection gets obscured and I miss out on the beauty He is painting for me to enjoy. It is all still there. I just don’t see it as vividly. The clouds of circumstances obscure His light, so I see more darkly. I miss what He wants me to enjoy. His peace will slow me down, unruffled my waters, and reflect the reds, yellows, and greens as I pass through life. Not only will I enjoy it more, so will those who see God painting in me.