Focused on the Goal

Cottonwood Trees in the horizon

Lake Manitou is a large inland lake, about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. With many islands and bays, it would be easy to get lost on the water especially because there are very few buildings, roads or bridges, and little boat traffic. At the west end of the lake is the distinctive "Cup and Saucer" land formation consisting of two heights of limestone cliffs. The sun sets behind these hills and always makes a spectacular show.

It was a little harder to find the entrance to Bass Creek, but if you looked carefully, the Cottonwood trees on the property of the camp towered above the other trees along the shore line. I always watched for this landmark when we headed back in the boat. There were many lighthouses on the island marking harbours and warning of rocks and shallow water. I love lighthouses and would enjoy staying in one if I had the chance.

Channel marker

We need to focus on our goals, whether to find our way back to shore, or to move ahead in our lives. People I see at the hospital who have nothing to live for are miserable and do not survive long. One of the dearest patients I ever had became a good friend in the three years I knew her before her death at age 60. Crista had five children and it was her prayer and goal to see them all married and established before she died. She had many medical problems and was always one infection away from death. Her youngest son finally set his wedding day for August, and Crista was thrilled. She was alarmingly thin and losing weight. Tests showed she had developed bowel cancer, a new problem that required immediate surgery in June. No one believed she could survive, but she did. One month later I was playing the piano at the front of the church as the congregation sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (one of my all time favourite hymns). Crista made a late but triumphant entry in a wheelchair, pushed to her usual front seat by her son. She did attend the wedding in August and died a few weeks later, her goals on earth achieved. I played the piano for her funeral and was able to share with others the dreams she had shared with me.

Cup and Saucer land formation

This scripture is from the fourth chapter of Proverbs. I teach it to the 10 and 11 year olds in my class each year and have them illustrate it as they learn it.

My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.