It’s hard to believe December is already here! You are reading this on December 2nd, but I’m writing it on December 1st. Already this morning I have initialed and dated school assignments for my daughter and was mildly alarmed at the fact that I was writing 12/1/17 on the page. Where has the year gone? Before we know it, this month will end and a new year will begin.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle that is typical of the Christmas season, I am thankful for the theme for this week’s photo challenge. It’s good to pause, breathe, and remember the serene moments of life before returning to the busy schedule on the calendar.

What is more serene than a quiet afternoon on the porch swing with Grandpa and Puppy Love?

Another moment of serenity was a mountain retreat I got to take with my second son, Bobby. One of our many activities on this trip was fishing. Neither of us caught anything. Well, I caught a leaf, but I don’t think that counts. We enjoyed a time of serenity together though, and that was all that mattered.

 

One other thing that speaks of serenity to me is a waterfall. I absolutely love waterfalls and have hiked to several, some larger than this, some smaller.

You may think this an odd candidate for a picture of serenity because waterfalls are noisy and boisterous. But to me, that is exactly what makes them serene. When I am at the base of a waterfall, the sound of the crashing water drowns out all other sounds, leaving me with a sense that it is just the water and me.

At the waterfall I feel very close to my Lord. His mighty power is reflected in the power of the crashing water, and His peace covers me like the sound of the rushing water, drowning out all other distractions and turning my focus on Him alone. I sing aloud to my heart’s content, knowing that no one but God can hear me (or not caring if they do). And I pray.

Psalm 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters….

Being at the waterfall reminds me of the hymn “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” particularly the phrase, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace.” Read the words and see if you don’t agree with me.

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more has dominion,
For more than conquerors we are.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

CHORUS:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

If you are weary and troubled, Jesus can give you the peace and serenity you long for. Turn your eyes upon Him.

ℜ          ℜ          ℜ

“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel (1922) is in the public domain.

Photos taken in South Hill, VA; KOA at Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley, VA; and Sapphire Valley, NC