Give It Some Time

I was canoeing the Pine River in the Manistee National Forest with my dad and some men from the church. We camped in a campground and froze all night. Just as the sun was beginning to rise and I was finally getting warm, a deacon rolled over on his keys and set off his car alarm. We gave up on sleep and made breakfast.

As we got the canoe trip underway, I looked at my dad and said I should have brought my headphones so I could listen to music.
“No way,” he said.
“Why not?”
“There’s plenty of time for music. When you’re in nature, listen to the music of nature. It will bring you peace.”

In my mind, he was turning into an antique—and he wasn’t even forty.

I went snowboarding on New Year’s Day. I noticed young kids riding with headphones in, listening to music. I remembered that canoe trip, and my dad’s lesson finally made sense. Decades later, I am tired. I worry more. I need quiet. I long for solitude and peace.

I sat with that thought for a while and realized how much changes as we age. The things we desire, our priorities—everything really—it all changes.

When teaching someone, give it some time. Some lessons are meant for another time, and only time and circumstance can persuade the student of their wisdom.

Bless you, 

Pastor.