Connie's Coda*
Monthly Column by Constance Gilbert

I want to take you to Crystal Lake in northern Michigan. The lake is a palette of blues and still clear. The rocks can be seen until it's too deep to see the bottom. The beach is sandy and the dock is long -- lots of room for parents to watch the children and keep them safe. Across the road is the tennis court. Up the hill is a church camp.

Come, walk with me. My, this hill didn't seem so steep and long when I was younger, but the trees are just like I remember them. Well, maybe taller. I love the birch's white bark in contrast with the oaks, maples and evergreens. Wildflowers are prolific in the spring. Now, the wild roses, irises, and violets add color among the many leaves. Lovely and peaceful, isn't it?

Over there are the cabins full of bunk beds with screened in porches, so the evenings can be enjoyed without the mosquitoes and gnats. The larger buildings are lodges for classes, games and singing. The building way up on the hill to the left is the dining hall. If you're not hungry, you will be by the time you climb up there! And don't forget, all gum goes on the gum rock outside the door.

Over there, in the trees, is the chapel. It's all wood inside and out. The wood benches and pulpit were hand cut from the woods years ago. The floor is dirt with sawdust covering it. Surprisingly, the old organ has managed to weather the years with no heat or air conditioning. Any hymnals or Bibles left over the winter, will be found chewed by the mice for their nests. It is a serene place; I always loved to sit there--by myself--listening to the birds singing their praises. It's just God, a mouse or two and me. A tranquil place.

See that big, old white house near the dirt road? It's the Mission House. When missionaries are home on furlough, they stay there during the summer to rest and to share their stories.

Let's walk a little way along the winding path through those trees. See the path over there? The one lined with logs on each side? I may need help getting up, but I want to sit here on a log for awhile.

Ah, there are so many memories here. I came for the first time in 1960. I was sixteen years old and attending youth camp. Each morning, before breakfast, we went outdoors for private devotions. Not being a morning person, it wasn't my favorite time of day, but the chill of the morning kept me awake as I sat on a birch log. Maybe, it was this very one. I can almost smell bacon and pancakes....

However, one morning late in the week, I felt as if I was in the chapel...in a holy place. As I sat quietly on a birch log, I was thinking about Jesus' hands. What did he play with as a little boy? Did His hands trot a wooden horse along the dusty path behind his home? I imagined Him gathering wood shavings for Joseph and later learning how to use all the tools in the woodshop. He used his hands to heal, pray, and perform miracles. He broke bread and handed out fish. He sat children upon his knees to bless them. He held the sacred scrolls in the synagogue.

I envisioned His hands reaching toward me; gentle hands, scarred hands. I felt Jesus near me. At that very moment, I knew believing in Him wasn't enough. I needed to know Him. It was a personal thing between Him and me. I'm not sure whether I realized it then, but it was the beginning of my life's journey getting to know my Savior and Friend.

The four hour drive home, at the end of the week, was one of great sadness. The problems at home would still be there, but I knew I would never be the same.

My mother never let me come back here, but she could not take away those precious memories. Without a doubt, I knew Christ was with me. He would protect, guide and sustain me.

Seven years later, I brought my new husband here. Later, my son came to “my” special place.

Well, it's time to leave, but I thank you for visiting “my” birch log in the woods, where I sat with Jesus and felt His presence so crystal clear.

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About the Author: Connie is currently writing a book on Breaking the Chains of emotional abuse. She is the coauthor of "Christ's Light: In and Beyond Us" (an e-book), and she writes for several Christian publications. Connie would love for you to visit her blog site found at www.consheartstrings.blogspot.com. She can be contacted by e-mail to: cgeewriter@yahoo.com.