Along the Winter Shore

If you’ve ever stood on the shore of Lake Superior on a summer day, you know the feeling. Waves crashing on the rocks at your feet, sending spray high into the air, vast expanse of water stretching to meet the sky on the horizon.  It’s big; you’re small.  It’s a magnificent feeling.

The great lake in the winter is no different, I discovered recently.

Colder, yes.

Very differently framed in a muted palette of ice and snow that somehow manages to shift the highlights on the waves from gold to silver.

But certainly no less breathtaking.

While our husbands were skiing the mountains one afternoon, my friend and I took advantage of the grandmas willing to babysit our little people and went down to a lakeside resort to pick up cross-country ski passes and get information on trail conditions.  The moody gray sweep of the lake was just outside the big windows lining the front of the lodge, and when we stepped outside after obtaining what we had come for, we looked at each other and agreed.  The water was calling; we couldn’t leave without getting closer.

The trail was very icy, so we didn’t go far.  Instead we went along cautiously until we found a spot with a good view, and then stood still to take in the magnificence of it all.  I couldn’t help thinking of Psalm 93 as I watched to the blue-gray waves crash on the rocks below us.

“The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;

indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.  

Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity..…The seas have lifted up, LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves……Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea– the LORD on high is mighty.  Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.”  (Psalm 93)

Amen!