The following are taken from the Lakeside Chautauqua 2023 Faith Walk Devotional, which features 21 meditations based on “thin places” in Lakeside, accompanied by scripture verses, reflection questions and photos. Copies are available for free at the Lakefront and Hoover Community Worship Services, at the Administration Office and hotel desks.
A peaceful sound
Thin Place: The Lakeside Carillon
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”(Martin Luther)
“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”(Martin Luther)
The “thin places” in Lakeside are abundant for us all. One of mine is not a place, necessarily, but a sound – the bells, chimes, carillon – whatever you call it. When I’m at the lake and the bells ring, I am mesmerized and taken aback by the beauty of the sweet sound. I listen with awe at the old hymn being played. Typically, I sing along in my head. Depending on what I’m doing, I sometimes stop and soak it all in and reflect on what God is doing in my life.
From playing the clarinet in school, to singing in my high school chorus and finally singing in the church choir, music has always played a role in my life. Sadly, my voice is no longer strong enough, but I still love singing and music. It is very spiritual to me and allows me to worship and feel at peace.
The bells also offer peace and a sense of calm to the day, a place to worship God quietly. One of the songs the bells play is “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” May it be so. Let there be peace on earth.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. / Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be./ With God our creator, children all are we. / Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. / Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now. / With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow. / To take each moment and live each moment with peace eternally. / Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. (Lyrics by Jill Jackson-Miller & Sy Miller)
Reflection: How can peace start with me?
Debbie Heibert
The best seat in the house
Thin Place: Pavilion Deck, sitting in the chairs under the shade
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are the God who saves me. I wait for You all day long.” (Psalm 25:5 NLV)
Spend time sitting in the chairs on the Pavilion deck. Be still, breathe, wait and listen. On some mornings, you will see men circled, sitting and sharing the word of God. Their praise, conversation and laughter will float over you, giving you a feeling of peace and hope. From your comfortable chair you can see teenagers learning to navigate not just the winds of sailboats, but how to work together. Nearby, children are playing in the water, splashing and laughing, all while under the watchful eyes of their parents. The Pavilion is an area to feel the breeze, to be shaded from the hot sun or the cool rain, and a time to pause.
Close your eyes and feel the breeze. Know that God is all around you. Like the wind, the Holy Spirit is unseen but present. The Spirit is lifting you like the seagulls over the lake, providing strength and direction. Listen to the hum of the conversations. Most of these interactions are those of training and teaching younger ones. God is alive in his children and using us to give wisdom to the next generation. Praise God for the joy of your senses and the beauty of Lakeside.
Be still. Wait on the Lord. Pause and praise. Marvel at God’s glorious creation from one of the best seats in Lakeside.
Reflection: When was the last time you paused? Waited on the Lord “all day long” as stated in Psalm 25:5? Try to allow time today to have a sacred pause, where God can reach you through his glorious creation.
Mary Wendt
The wonder of God’s creation
Thin Place: The Dock and Pavilion Area
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)
I have become one of those folks who walks down to the Dock almost every evening to watch the sunset. I, along with approximately 50 or 60 other Lakesiders, wander along the length of the Dock to see the marvel of the sunset. Some watch it, some video it, some chat with friends and others take part in other activities on or near the Dock.
One evening, after observing the gorgeous sky, I was coming out from under the Pavilion leaving the Dock. People of all ages were standing around or walking and running various directions, and families with children were gathering together. I thought, “This must be what heaven is like!” People were talking and enjoying each other’s company and leashed dogs were staying faithfully by their masters as dusk fell. No one was bothered by anyone else’s actions, nobody minded the noisy teenage boys at the end of the L-Dock jostling each other, and even the dogs were friendly towards each other. Peace and joy were in the air that was being breathed. In that setting, with the beauty of the flower gardens nearby, lights starting to come on, and the palpitating sense of possibility of the approaching night, God’s loving presence was so very evident.
“For the wonder of each hour / of the day and of the night, / hill and vale and tree and flower, / sun and moon and stars of light, / For the joy of human love, / brother, sister, parent, child, / friends on earth, and friends above, / for all gentle thoughts and mild, / Christ, our Lord, to you we raise / this, our hymn of grateful praise.”
Reflection: In what ways does God’s creation s inspire you? Through what people and places in God’s creation do you feel God’s loving presence?
Ann Schnapp
Let you light shine
Thin Place: The Lights on the Lakeside Dock
“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
When walking out on the Lakeside Dock on a beautiful, sunny day, the lights aren’t turned on and aren’t even noticed. When walking out on that same dock late at night, you can’t help but notice them—especially the two red warning lights at the very end.
Mosquitoes and other insects are often drawn to the lights. People walking on the Dock count on those same lights for safety and to guide them back to the entrance. Boaters and fishermen count on them late at night to guide them safely.
“Jesus said to (the crowd), ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
Reflection: How do we share the light of the world, Jesus Christ, to others?
Mark Moffett
The light shines in the darkness
Thin Place: The Beach and Extending Piers
During the day, the beach and extending docks are joy-filled with families, adults, teens and children laughing and playing in the water. Children jump off the docks, their bodies airborne and then – splash! Grownups wade in the shallow water with their little ones. Sandcastles are built and beach balls are tossed.
But as night approaches the beach becomes empty and the joy of the day is gone. When life throws its barbs at us, throwing us off balance, tripping us to the ground what does God say?
“I will cover you with my feathers and under my wings will you find refuge.”(Psalm 91:4)
When we think God’s face is turned away from us and darkness fills our days, what does God say? “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.”(John 1:5) “You will rest in the shadow of the almighty.” (Psalm 91:1) “The angels will lift you up in their hands and you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12)
When God seems far away, and we are empty and without Him what does God say? God says, “Seek my face.” And we say, “Oh God, I am seeking your face. Do not hide from me.”
Will you pray with me? “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today, come into stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Lord, I seek your face. Restore unto me the joy of Thy Salvation.”
Reflection: Where do you go in times of darkness to find the light?
Joanne R. Heinert
