This morning I’m thinking about the last time I visited my brother’s home in northern Minnesota. It’s a beautiful place, nestled under a knoll practically in the arms of one of those cold (very cold) lakes. Tall fir trees and birch trees grow around the house, cabin, and garage. The air is clean and crisp and water birds in abundance call that summertime lake home.Because it was summer when I visited.
My brother and sister-in-law were not early risers and I was (and am). So, very early, just at first light before the sun rose over the pines on the eastern side of the lake, I made a cup of coffee, put on a sweater, slipped out the door, off the deck, and down to the water. Sitting in a lawn chair, I watched the day begin.
Lake birds are early risers too. Loons, Minnesota’s state bird, glided across the still lake’s surface, voicing their eerie cry that called to the wildness of those dense forests. High in the sky, an osprey circled, keen eyes searching the water for an unsuspecting fish. A mama duck, followed by feathery tufts of ducklings pushed off from shore on an early morning outing.
I drank it all in, the peace of lake and woods filling my mind. Then the sun tipped the pines, painting the lake ripples in soft rose tones. The day began and I was ready for it, inspired by the untamed beauty of God’s creation.
It really is just like that!
And that was spoken by a young lady who calls it home. Thanks, Missy.