Nearly every weekend, people across the upper Midwest head toward the Northwoods and the thousands of lakes scattered across the landscape. A steady stream of cars and trucks—pulling campers, boats, motorcycles, and snowmobiles—moves north on Friday and back south on Sunday. Like geese, we migrate toward places that help us feel comfortable, settled, and at ease.
The pull of lake country
I grew up in “lake country,” where people retreat from busy lives to enjoy a slower, quieter rhythm. Lakes have a way of inviting us to breathe differently. The sound of water sloshing against boats tied to wooden docks, the sight of birds and fish in their natural habitat, the scent of fresh water and pine trees lining the shore, and the changing reflection of sun and clouds on the lake’s surface all work together to quiet the mind.
There is also comfort in the people who gather there. We may arrive hoping for solitude, but often we are refreshed by conversations, shared meals, and the simple warmth of being with others who have also been drawn by the splendor of woods and water.
When comfort felt easy
While growing up, I had more than lakes and woodlands to shelter and shield me from the serious, troubling things in life. I knew those things were out there, not far away, but I could mostly avoid them. My parents’ love and care covered me. My friends and the familiar boundaries of our community made me feel safe.
I remember my mother telling me that childhood would be among the most carefree years of my life. She was preparing me for what was ahead. As she put it, “A day will come when you’re going to need God.”
As I grew up and eventually left home, her words began to sink in. I found myself responsible for navigating life, carrying burdens my parents had once carried for me. I made decisions that brought consequences. The old ease of shelter and familiarity faded, and I felt the anxiety that so many people know too well. I did not feel shielded anymore. The world had become stranger to me, and I found it hard to feel poised.
The God of all comfort
I began to wonder how someone living in a demanding and hazardous world could recover the comfort, happiness, and pleasant familiarity of childhood. And what about those who never had that positive experience? Anxiety and trouble arrive early in some lives.
What I eventually came to understand—as my mother knew and as many people have found—is that we need God to provide comfort and confidence that do not fade. He is the “God of all comfort,” able and willing to provide comfort in every situation. Beauty, memory, nature, and companionship are some of the tools He uses to remind us of His care.
Comfort in community
Recently, my family and I prepared a celebration of life for a close relative. There were many responsibilities, and we all felt pressure to be ready in time to receive guests and honor our loved one in a way that would glorify God. We thought about weather, food, seating, parking, music, and countless other details.
When the day came, people arrived, the service went forward, and the reception followed. What had felt heavy began to feel lighter. The warmth of friends and family, the abundance of food, the larger-than-expected turnout, and even the weather seemed to lift everyone there. We recognized God at work among us, sheltering, comforting, and upholding us during an important time together.
Nature and people are among the gifts God has stored up for us and uses to cheer and support us. Sunny days, the strength and warmth of family and friends, and the beauty of the natural world are not random blessings. They are reminders of His original goodness and His continuing presence with us.
Recognizing God’s goodness where you are
Wherever you live, God’s goodness and beauty can be recognized. In cities and suburbs there are birds, animals, trees, rivers, green spaces, flowers, and even houseplants that can help put us in closer touch with the Creator. We can share these things, enjoy them together, and talk about our thankfulness for His provision.
God wants us to be supported, comforted, and connected. Rather than seeing people as sources of irritation or anxiety, we can ask Him to help us see them from His perspective: as people He loves. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” is a good place to begin.
When we feel comfort of any kind, we can rightly thank God for it. He knows how to comfort His people. It is best to trust Him completely.
The wonder of God’s world is not something we outgrow. It is not gone with the innocence of childhood. As adults, we may feel the burdens of the world, but God continues to remind us that He is willing to provide for us. Ask Him to show you hidden treasure in the places where you can touch nature and connect with people. Through these avenues, He can teach us to live poised, comforted, and grateful in the world around us.
