Listening Point

The cabin of Sigurd and
Elizabeth Olson on Listening Point.

Finally…it’s summer time. After a few weeks of pretty questionable spring weather accompanied by plenty of rain it finally seems like summer is here and I’m ready! I don’t know about you but I long for the change of routine, the laid-back rhythm of life, the increased hours of daylight, the ability to spend time outside and the opportunity to play with my family without all of the expectations of the school year. Come fall, I am usually just as ready for that change to occur as well but, for now, I am rejoicing in the reality that summer is upon us.

One soul-edifying summer ritual that I enjoy each year is to reread the book "The Listening Point" by Sigurd Olson. Olson is a northwoods travel and nature writer who talks about finding a quiet place to contemplate and be in awe – a place to return to. We share a love of Minnesota’s north woods and he does a fine job of quietly reflecting on the same rocks, trees and shoreline that draw me in on each visit. Olson calls this place his listening-point. He writes, "Everyone has a listening-point somewhere. It does not have to be in the north or close to the wilderness, but some place of quiet where the universe can be contemplated with awe."

I encourage you to seek out those listening-points in your life this summer. They may be with family, on vacation, at the cabin, at your work place, at church, in the garden, or in your community. Look for opportunities to contemplate God’s goodness in the midst of the new rhythms of daily life. I suspect that you too, will be renewed in your own listening-point.

We are working to making Gethsemane a listening-point for you this summer and trust that you will experience God here in new and comforting ways. One worship service with familiar music and liturgy will provide an opportunity to reconnect with your community. Our intentional Sunday forum schedule will offer occasional learning opportunities to provide sustenance for listening. If you are away on the weekend we have summer devotional materials available at the front desk and as a download. Our children and youth have many opportunities for renewal through camp and mission experiences as well as a new community-building group each Wednesday at Gethsemane.

Enjoy these summer days exploring, praising, thanking and rejoicing in new and different ways!