“He leads me beside still waters [or, waters of rest]” (Psalm 23:2).
Dear Praying Friends,
For the past six days, thanks to our tax refund and birthday gifts from generous friends, we have been able to stay in a house overlooking Lake Junaluska, in western North Carolina. We had such a good time here last summer that we decided to make the trip again, and we are glad we did.
Founded as a church conference and retreat center in 1913, it retains a residual Christian atmosphere, expressed in a lighted cross at one end of the lake. It’s surrounded by hills, the tops of mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains. And it’s quiet; no motorboats disturb the peace of this tranquil refuge from the cacophony of the world outside.
Free from our usual distractions, we’ve had plenty of time just to sit and gaze with wonder upon God’s lovely creation, read, think, pray, and enjoy simple meals out upon the deck. On a few occasions, fresh ideas for writing and other ministry have come to me, but I haven’t labored over them.
As we pray for others, we are keenly aware of the harsh reality that billions of people around the world, including some of you, will probably never enjoy such a vacation, and we are profoundly grateful to God for this much-needed break. We trust that it will have equipped us to serve him better in the coming year.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Yours in his rest,
Wright