My part of the country is in a drought. All along the road, fields of thin, crisp corn stalks reach pointed leaves to the anvil sky, pleading for a mist, a drop, a downpour. Hot breezes push humid air over dry dirt, and dust coats my teeth. Misery!
Then, a turn in the road, and I’m home. As I make my way down the lane to Hidden Springs, the heavy air lifts. It’s cooler, and I can smell freshly mowed grass. In the midst of our little wooded valley, the open lawn is green and growing. The garden corn is tall, its leaves outstretched. All around are signs of life and health.
What a difference – the difference between stress and peace, stagnancy and growth, death and life. Hidden Springs is a shady, sheltered valley of spring-watered earth. Trees catch the sun and hide us, the surrounding hills block drying winds, and upwelling springwater keeps the soil moist.
To survive ongoing stress in our lives, we can search for and create these things – shade, shelter and sources of life-giving water. When we do, we’ll experience peace and growth.
SHADE. With some forethought, we can provide cover and protection for ourselves and those we love. By planning ahead, we can be ready for things that are out of our control: a tough economy, natural disasters, or accidents. Like a dry summer, these factors can lead to ruin. Be ready with a realistic budget, emergency savings, and adequate insurance.
SHELTER. The most reliable, protective shelters in our lives are our relationships – the networks of close friends who will lend a hand when help is needed. We need to work at and value our relationships with family and friends. That might mean asking for help ourselves. Hand in hand, we can weather any storm.
WATER. We each have God-given resources within us, untapped wells of creativity, ingenuity, and energy. By discovering these hidden springs (through prayer, coaching, journaling, etc.), we can do more than survive – we can thrive. And as we grow, we’ll have an abundance to share with those we love.
I’m looking forward to some rainy days and cooler weather. Until then, it feels good to come home to Hidden Springs.
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