The Swing

It was an extraordinarily stressful week as I presided over my first board meeting. I had never used a gavel before or been in charge of meetings for chartered organizations, but I quickly learned. Needless to say I was very relieved when the multi-day meeting was adjourned. I bid farewell to the board members and packed everything in my car, but I didn't leave.  Instead I returned to the resort where we stayed and took a walk. It was on a lake and I wanted to enjoy it before returning to the real world.

As I walked I tried to shed the stresses I had been holding in. I found the trails along the lake and wandered aimlessly until I spotted the ultimate destination. There at a place called Oliver Point was a swing. It was solitary and vacant. I wanted to rush to it yelling, "Mine, mine, mine!"  But instead I calmly walked down the trail and took a seat. I slid into the curve of the swing and let it cradle me.  Ahead was the lake, visible even peripherally. It was quiet, serene, peaceful. I let it wash over me and released the stresses of the previous days.

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from in high has visited us; To give light to those who ait in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

My mind cleared and peace enveloped me. It was the best seat I could have possibly found.