We are headed “Up North” this week! That verbiage is kind of funny – a term that is uniquely Minnesotan. If you’ve been in Minnesota for
any length of time, you know what I’m talking about. For me, up north means lots of evergreens and birch trees, a seemingly non-ending number of lakes, docks, boats, frogs, turtles, cabins of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and of course, the call of the loon.
Growing up, our family went to Ely every summer – sometimes June, sometimes August…and sometimes both! I can remember all six of us piling into the station wagon at 3:00am, still in our pajamas, us kids sprawled out in the car (I’m old – there were no seatbelt laws back then). We couldn’t wait to go fishing, swimming, and exploring; it was something we looked forward to all year long. We usually took turns getting out in the boat, but there were times my dad, mom, youngest brother, and I were in one boat, all while towing a second boat with the four older siblings. What a sight that must have been!
Now this love of getting out on the lake has been passed down to the kids, so we make the trip “up north” as often as we can – and I’m just as excited now as I was when I was a kid! And now we have the added bonus of sharing the experience with not only our grown children, but with grandkids as well. The combination of being surrounded by the beauty of nature, sharing meals and laughter and time with people we love, this is one of God’s many blessings – and it brings us unspeakable joy!
Praying you’re able to find time to enjoy these last few weeks of summer!
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Julie
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. – Psalms 103:1-2 NLT