Psalm 19:1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)
I have never heard the voice of God booming from the clouds or even whispering in my ear, but in quiet places, He speaks to me. I helped to chaperone 30 Southwood middle schoolers on a mission trip to the Wilderness Canoe Base, a Lutheran bible camp in northern Minnesota, just a few miles from Canada. The ubiquitous question on any mission trip is “Where did you see God today?” On this trip the answer was: “Everywhere.”
Each day was started with “First Word,” which is conducted in silence. As we walked toward the open-air chapel, no one spoke. Bright red Bunch Berries, shiny Blue Bead Lily berries, and the tiny white flowers of Pearly Everlasting were scattered under pines and aspens on both sides of the rocky trail. At the crest of a hill, we entered the chapel, a large rustic structure that is open on all sides. Rough wooden benches formed a semi-circle overlooking Seagull Lake. We sat, still in silence, as a short bible passage was read aloud. After a pause for reflection, it was repeated twice more. In front of us, the rising sun sparkled on the lake like a myriad of diamonds. A light breeze rustled the leaves of the Quaking Aspen. The scent of spruce and pine filled the air. As the mournful call of a loon floated over the lake, a communion hymn just popped into my head:
Let us praise God together on our knees,
Let us praise God together on our knees,
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
It was a very powerful experience. God was all around me, and I continued to experience His presence throughout our stay.
I saw God in the dedication and devotion of the camp counselors. All young adults, they connected with and nurtured our middle school youth. They shared their passion and respect for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where we canoed, swam, and fished in the clear waters of the pristine lakes.
I saw God in our youth, who struggled with insects (lots of mosquitos), primitive facilities (whiffy latrines), learning how to control a canoe, and working on projects at the camp. They encouraged and comforted each other through these shared adversities and adventures, forming bonds of fellowship.
I saw God in Drew Jagadich and Grace Johnson, our Southwood Youth Ministry Co-Directors. They used just the right balance of “buddy” and “adult” to positively influence not just our kids, but also the adult volunteers. Make sure to say “Bless you!” next time you see them at church.
Every time I go on a mission trip, I am reminded that God is everywhere. He is in the natural world around us and in His people as they work and play together. I just have to open my eyes, my ears, and my heart. Thanks be to all His creation.
Questions for Reflection:
- When or where does God speak to you?
- What methods can you use to help look and listen for God?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your creation that is all around us. Help me remember to “stop and smell the roses.” Guide me to love all your people, even the ones I don’t agree with, because You are in everything and everyone. Amen.
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