Disturbed waters, calm waters.
Blurred outlines, reflections coming into focus.
Silence, silence interrupted by the call of geese.
The moon rises above the tree line, its reflection shimmering in the water.
A great blue heron flies over the lake, a Pied-billed grebe glides across the water creating a v-shaped ripple in front of me.
I glance once more into the lake and notice something is no longer there, it is the moon’s reflection. The moon is now higher in the sky and the lake is no longer able to include the moon in its waters.
The life and calm of the lake at this moment critiques my frenetic activity to do more and to be more.
And I have been given a gift. I have been extended an invitation.
Will I open my heart to receive the gift? Will I take seriously the invitation?
What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
What does that look like in my life?
Where do I get my value and self-worth? What does it mean to be a dearly beloved child of God?
The lake has drawn me into a conversation with God our Creator. Words from the Psalms go down deeper into my spirit. “[God] leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” “Be still and know that I am God.”
Rev. Paul Means has served as associate pastor at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, Florida, for fourteen years. His wife, Pam, and he have been married for over thirty-three years and they enjoy spending time with their two adult sons who live in the Clearwater area. See Paul’s photography.