Currently, I am in my home territory of upstate New York as our family finishes settling my sister’s affairs. I am sure that those of you who no longer live in the area where you grew up understand what it is like to return to those familiar places. Although changes may have occurred over the years, I don’t feel out of place. I know where my favorite spots are to be found. Afterall, it is home!
Many years ago, when I was first married we lived not far from a lake in a log house that my husband had built. As I look back on that house I realize how idyllic the setting was amongst the trees. If you know upstate NY at all you know that it is known for pine trees, lakes, mountains, and small towns. It is very beautiful and quite easy to fall into the rhythm of the summer days. My love for this area has not diminished over the many years that I have lived away, and although the circumstances as to why I am visiting are very different this time, I am joyful to be home.
When I started writing this post and imaging the many places that I love to be while I am here it occurred to me that I know where I can go to get the rest that I need, and where the quiet that I seek is without compromise.
It may be in the town of Saratoga, the Adirondack region with its mountain lakes, or it may be walking among the tall pines, and yet it is not. They are certainly wonderful, but I am not drawn to be among the tall straight pines, I am drawn to my sisters. It is these that I want to rest among, where I want to find the quiet that I need.
Yesterday, while I rested it was comforting that my sister was nearby reading. I was falling in and out of sleep, but I knew she was there. The day before, while I sought some moments of stillness, it was while I sat at my youngest sister’s kitchen table that I experienced contentment. As I watched her make dinner and feed the dog, I was reminded of the simple things that give us the peace and quiet that we need.
Where is your best place of rest and quiet? While there are many spectacular places on earth where many go to be restored and rejuvenated, for me it comes when I seek out the people that I call family!
Isaiah 14:7 CSB All the earth is at calm and at rest; people shout with a ringing cry.
Isaiah 32:18 NIV My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.