This lake, like all lakes in South Carolina, is man-made, serving as a reservoir for the Greer water system. This park, however, is set aside for recreation, and while I have many, many times, taken off for points west and north on a Saturday, I now realize that I have an intimate setting right here practically in my own back yard. We walked on the dock where fishermen put their boats in, and as I stood there looking at the water, I thought I might actually enjoy getting into a canoe and paddling around on the water—something I never thought I’d give consideration to doing. The trees, still full of their autumn colors, are wild and thick near the water, and more spaced out in the actual park area. The dogs seemed just as excited about discovering a new place as I did. We then walked over to the other side of the park where there is another dock extending far out into the lake. There are benches and a gazebo-style covering, and it is just a peaceful place to sit and gaze on the water, the sky, the shoreline. On the way, we passed picnic tables and a shelter.
I write about our trip to Lake Cunningham simply because I was struck by how often I overlook the treasures that are right under my nose. As I walked down the dock, I asked myself, “How many other things have I overlooked that are in my life on a daily basis?” Why do we allow ourselves to become so de-sensitized to beauty or to its opposite. Why do we prefer to walk in darkness instead of the light?
I think, all too often, we find ourselves looking at the big picture. We bemoan world hunger and poverty, or we say our prayers for those who are affected by the many wars being fought in the world. The big picture is all well and good, but it’s the details that are often so much more important. The same is true of our environment. It’s the one red leaf that I picked up to look at instead of the entire forest. It’s the one lily pad with the yellow bud instead of the entire lake full of water lilies. It’s the one child in my classroom who needed to tell me about his run-in with the law instead of the entire class of twenty-three that I was about to dismiss for the weekend.
My challenge to myself this coming week is to pay attention to the details. I challenge you to do the same. Look at the face of the person who comes to you at your business. Pray specifically for someone who is in need—by name and by intention. And when you walk outside, look at the leaves instead of simply admiring the trees. Pay attention to the wonder that’s around you everyday. Let God’s creation fill you with love and the assurance that we do walk in the Light.
