Inspiration - by Sue Calhoun
Every summer we look forward to going to our cottage in the Laurentian mountains. We all believe it is a place to recharge and reconnect with many families who have become good friends and cousins over the many years. This lake has had church services since the early 1890's when the Lake community was founded. Many of the families which founded the community are still leading and attending the services. These services were shared by those with larger homes and all made their way to them every Sunday. Families attended in their finest wear by verchere, canoe or mahogany motor launches. Ecumenical services are still continued 8 Sundays of the summer season and all contributions are given to local charities throughout the region. Speakers range from ordained ministers to community volunteers and academics. Different denominations lead the services - Anglican, Presbyterian, Catholic, United, and different religions including Judaism, and Islam. A children's service as well as a fellowship service are welcome additions to the Sunday Service schedule.
As in those days long ago, many rules were inspired and obeyed without question. No swimming on Sundays and no playing of cards of any type. My father-in-law was a young lad then and always managed to fall into the lake after church service was over, getting some swimming in for the day.
The beauty around us is profound, majestic and inspiring. It whisks us away from the tediousness' of everyday struggle and monotonous daily chores and transcends us to a peaceful closeness to God. As you paddle your canoe or kayak, or just sit on the end of the dock, you see God's work surrounding you and you are in awe of it's majesty. You know that He is there all around you and feel His presence, and you are at peace with Him, with the world and with yourself. You realize that you are but a small part in God's plans, but an important part. We are all His children. It reminds us that we are stewards of this beautiful, amazing earth that God created and that we should be diligent and forthcoming in doing our part. We also feel that when daily life stifles us that we look to the mountains or the beautiful scenery and know He is with us and that anything can be resolved. We can face anything, nothing is impossible when you Believe in God.
With the business and hustle and bustle of a typical day, it is always good to know that you can recharge your batteries.
As in those days long ago, many rules were inspired and obeyed without question. No swimming on Sundays and no playing of cards of any type. My father-in-law was a young lad then and always managed to fall into the lake after church service was over, getting some swimming in for the day.
The beauty around us is profound, majestic and inspiring. It whisks us away from the tediousness' of everyday struggle and monotonous daily chores and transcends us to a peaceful closeness to God. As you paddle your canoe or kayak, or just sit on the end of the dock, you see God's work surrounding you and you are in awe of it's majesty. You know that He is there all around you and feel His presence, and you are at peace with Him, with the world and with yourself. You realize that you are but a small part in God's plans, but an important part. We are all His children. It reminds us that we are stewards of this beautiful, amazing earth that God created and that we should be diligent and forthcoming in doing our part. We also feel that when daily life stifles us that we look to the mountains or the beautiful scenery and know He is with us and that anything can be resolved. We can face anything, nothing is impossible when you Believe in God.
With the business and hustle and bustle of a typical day, it is always good to know that you can recharge your batteries.