Several years ago, I wrote about Quarry Lake in Canmore Alberta. Last week I visited it again and was inspired anew.
As some of you know, life has taken an unexpected turn for my husband and I. Due to these challenges, the only writing I have done recently is in my nightly Gratitude Journal. Gratitude because, despite circumstances, we have so much to be grateful for.
Six months ago, I booked a four-night writing retreat in Canmore, to take place last week. I wasn’t sure if I should still go. My husband encouraged me to take the opportunity to get away and write. With mixed emotions, I escaped to the mountains, hoping to find that elusive creative spark.
That brings me back to Quarry Lake. You see, Quarry Lake
was once the site of an open-pit coal mine. It has been reclaimed and is now a beautiful spot for many to enjoy.
I’ve just spent a few days writing and refining thoughts for a new book that has been on my heart. I’m feeling energized and ready to move forward with new purpose.
Like Quarry Lake, my writing has been reclaimed. My prayer is that I can turn the words into something beautiful for others to enjoy.
Tag: reclaimed
Mountain Reflections
A few days in the mountains were just the break my husband and I needed. It was evening when we arrived which made the view in the morning all the more spectacular.
The sun was shining and the temperature mild as we headed outside to explore. We stopped at one directional sign and decided this wasn’t the path we wanted to take. The next sign showed a small lake only one kilometer away. Enthusiastically I said, “Let’s take this one!”
What we discovered was a hidden jewel. The water was crystal clear and smooth as glass. The jagged peaks on the Rocky Mountains were reflected back to us in the water. Golden yellow leaves of a tree in its autumn splendor were also shown in this mirror image. The beauty and peacefulness of the scene before me reached to my very soul.
Quarry Lake had once been the site of a coal mine. The land had been reclaimed and was now a spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Once an eyesore, this was now an area of much value to local residents and visitors alike.
As I sat on a bench enjoying the reflection on the lake, another kind of reflection was forming in my mind. My life had also been reclaimed. The day I asked Jesus into my heart the process began. I confessed the dark, ugly stains of unforgiveness and selfishness and they have been washed clean by the sacrificial love of Christ.
He’s not finished with me yet. I am a work in progress. The refining will not be complete until my life is a true reflection of Jesus.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:5 NLT)
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 NLT)