The Lessons of The Lake

The lake has taught me so many things. As a child I learned to swim, row, fish, ski and so much more all in the waters of a Minnesota lake. There are other lessons learned from the lake; deeper lessons, metaphorical lessons that I have learned as an adult such as reflection, change, patience, endurance, growth, and spiritual peace. And for me the most important lesson I have learned is that there is something far more powerful, far greater, and far more important than my day by day worries. The lake is a daily reminder of this and for that I am thankful.

The Lesson of Power

Sometimes the lake has taught me lessons through tragic, unimaginable events. It has made me stop in my tracks, think, hurt, and grapple with the lesson. Why? Why would my cousin drown at our grandparent's cottage? A place that held laughter, family, fun, and love. Why would two beautiful, young people succumb to hypothermia in the darkness of our backyard lake? Unseen, unheard, and so helpless. I can only find peace in knowing that a power and a love far greater than I can comprehend is at the helm of my life's ship and He will help me through the difficult lessons.

The Lesson of Change and Control

Sometimes I learn slowly, over a long period of time. I look at my children each day and they seem unchanged: they are seemingly the same height as yesterday, they have the same smiles, and the same sweet voices. But a glance at a photograph jolts me into the realization that they are ever changing. I know they are growing up so quickly. It won't be long before they set their own life's sails and venture out to sea. A look toward the lake leaves me with the impression that it is the same day after day, but I know that it too is changing always. It reminds me that life is always changing, sometimes growing, sometimes waning and that I can't control it. This lesson is one I struggle to grasp. But I can find peace in knowing that I don't have to control it, I don't have to be in charge. My life's ship can sail with the wind of the Holy Sprit blowing through it.

The Lesson of Beauty and Fulfillment

Only the water can house the fish, only the water can feed the plants, only the water can seep into the crevices of the earth and fill it. Sometimes I operate under the false impression that I have earned a roof over my head, that I have earned the food on my table, and that love should always seep into the crevices of my life. Just like the fish didn't earn their home in the lake, and the plants didn't earn the daily food, and the earth didn't earn its fill of refreshing water, nor did I earn my place in this world. The worry and stress of having to earn everything for the rest of my life has been removed. I have peace in knowing that the source of my replenishment will never dry up, will never leave me hungry, will never forsake me, and will always fill my crevices with love.

The Lesson of Fun

While this lesson is simple, it is also wonderful. I have found the lake to be a place to cool off, to splash, to ski, to snowmobile, and it is immensely fun; offering laughter and joy. It is a place to congregate with my loved ones. It offers me an excuse to stop and enjoy life. I find much peace in knowing that the creator of such a thing has even more in store for me.

The Lesson of Us

It is fascinating that the lake seems to be a world all its own. Though it is always changing, everything has its place. E verything lives together and uses the same resources day after day. As a mom I have often said to my children, "You need to try to get along with one another, you need to see the other person's point of view, use respectful words, etc." I have to laugh when I think of myself angry with a driver on my road (clearly they were in the wrong, right?), or gossiping about the person I saw earlier in the day (is it gossip if it's true? Okay, okay.), or yelling at my kids (they deserved it?). I'm sure God is up there watching me, shaking his head, loving me, understanding me, but laughing at the irony of me trying to teach my children the very lessons I have trouble learning.

I know I have to try to live together with everyone, and I know I have to share the same resources with everyone. I'm sure God is hoping I can be more like the creatures of the lake as I grow. I know I will continue to learn life's lessons. I feel so fortunate to have the lake as one of my teachers. I'm sure you have your own beliefs and your own lessons. Take a moment to look at your lake today, see what it has to offer you beyond the physical aspects. And, celebrate your life on the water!

By Nancy Henke