“He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.”  Psalm 23

There is something about water that is good for my soul. We live near a pond that offers renewal in every season. Swimming in the summer is an obvious pleasure, but walking on the ice in the winter, seeing the leaves reflected in the mirror-like stillness, and watching the earth come alive – all of these are reasons to leave unfinished housework behind and head to toward the water.

One of my favorite pastimes is kayaking. Not whitewater, Eskimo-rolling, daredevil kayaking, but gliding along still waters, enjoying a gentle current, and exploring shorelines with their flowers, birds, and berries. Some favorite kayaking memories include

• Paddling under the night sky, enjoying the reflection of the full moon in the water
• Gliding so close to a beaver lodge that I could hear the beavers squeaking and splashing inside
• Coming face to face with a blue heron as he hunted in shallow water for fish
• Watching a bald eagle soar overhead

I am blessed to live in an area with an abundance of ponds, lakes, and streams.

Whether it is roaming far afield and exploring new vistas or paddling on local, familiar waterways, sitting in a kayak surrounded by water brings peace to my soul.

I give thanks for still waters that restore my spirit (and the kayak that helps me explore them).

What are you thankful for today?