Can you hear amidst the noise?

Tim and I decided to take a much needed, long weekend. With passports packed and a small bag in the trunk, we decided to head north to Canada. It was a new adventure for us both. I hadn’t been there since I was in High School and Tim had never been there. At 6:00 AM, we headed out. My mind had been weary from the work week I had just finished, and while I was excited for this adventure, I just couldn’t seem to shut my mind down from everything I knew was waiting to be done at home, at work, in life! I prayed before we left and just asked God to bless our time together, to slow the pace down and really give us quality time together.

As we drove we listened to the radio and heard about the snow on the North Shore of Minnesota. We decided to forge ahead believing it wouldn’t be bad or last long. All of a sudden, I was driving in blizzard conditions and the roads became slush covered and slippery. In my mind I was screaming, “NO I AM SICK OF SNOW.” We continued on, white knuckles and hoping we would soon be out of it. We stopped for a bit and watched as Lake Superior heaved and moaned. Her waves were huge and crashing at the shoreline. Soon, we were back in the car and continuing on the adventure that lay before us. After a couple of hours we were through the snow, but the Lake was still very upset and crashed her waves on the shore.

We stopped at the Border, handed her our passports. We answered all of her questions and were soon on our way to Thunder Bay. First stop though, was Kakabeka Falls. As we parked the car you could see the mist from the falls wafting up in the air. As we neared the first side of the falls you could see the rapid pace at which the water flowed. The sound of it was almost deafening. We walked across the bridge to the other side of the falls. While the deafening sound of its power still rang out, there in the midst of the noise, was a beautiful rainbow in the mist.

We stopped for lunch and discussed the things we wanted to see while up there, and determined most attractions were not open yet, so we decided to head back to Grand Marais to spend a quiet weekend to rest and relax. 

We arrived at our favorite hotel and were able to secure our favorite room with an awesome view of the harbor. By this time I was really beginning to wonder if God was trying to speak to me. You see, I am stubborn at times and don't always take the time to stop and listen to what He is really trying to say to me. 

After a nice quiet evening sitting on the balcony watching the lake and listening to the sound of the waves slowly pushing ashore. We both fell asleep in a peaceful and restful slumber.

The following day, we decided to walk over to Sven and Ole's pizza place for lunch. It was a fun time of laughing and enjoying the time we were spending together. On the walk back, we walked along the sandy beach and I found a beautiful heart shaped rock. The moment I bent to pick it up, I surrendered to all God was showing me on this weekend away. 

You see, lately my life had become all the weekend was showing me. Stress at work, situations in my life and the severe shoulder pain I had,made me feel like I was in a blizzard and unable to see where the road was taking me. Together, Tim and I weather the many storms that come along and eventually when the storms calm, we begin to see once again where the road is leading. At times, life seems loud like the roar of the mighty waterfall and feels as if we are alone in life, but then, God sends a rainbow to show us he is always here watching over us. He offers beauty in the storm. 

As I walked with that rock in my hand, I understood that no matter what my insecurities are, or what life may throw my way, God has molded me into something beautiful and that is something no one can take away from me. 

In the midst of the noise and the quiet and stillness of the morning, I heard God loud and clear.