A Delight for the Eyes, a Comfort
for the Soul
by Donnelly Kuhlman
Donnelly Kuhlman, granddaughter of Tom and Delcy Kuhlman,
wrote this article several years ago for a college English
course. She is now a licensed massage therapist in the Portland,
Oregon area.
Still
Waters is a delight for the eyes and a comfort to the soul.
Buried deep in the woods of southwestern Michigan, a small
family daily opens their doors to the weary traveler. Some
of their guests have driven many miles to be there, yet
some are simply tired from the journey of life. Still Waters,
surrounded by farms and forests, opens its arms to the community
as a spiritual retreat center.
Depending upon whom you ask for directions, be it Mapquest
or the man plowing his field, the most direct way is to
listen for the quiet. Although the neighbors have come and
gone, it still remains the same, a place to find your own
way. In some ways Still Waters offers its own form of directions,
some might find physical directions, while others may stumble
across directions for their journey in life.
Although Motel 6 promises to leave the light on, Still
Waters promises to leave the door open and a fire burning.
Depending on your style, there are several options for slumber.
A charming retreat house resides in the center of the property.
But don't be fooled by its small exterior, on a good night
it can accommodate up to eight comfortably, complete with
a kitchen and hot cinnamon rolls.
For those who prefer to take the road less traveled, two
little cabins reside separately at each lake. Both offer
a rustic experience sure to have a healing effect. And if
you are really determined to find your own way, the tree
house on the back forty is always available, although rates
are subject to change depending on mosquito season.
If you opted for options two or three, and are a bit uncertain
which path leads to breakfast, not to worry. Interconnecting
trails weave their way across the property, although it
is strongly advised to bring a pair of hiking boots as the
trails are far from the sidewalks you may be accustomed
to.
As a spiritual retreat center, Still Waters strives to
help those who are lost in the journey of life. Spiritual
direction is available, although you are encouraged to spend
time alone with God, in nature. It is not a rehab clinic,
nor a place to escape, no, it is a place meant for the thirsty
to find refreshment, from the only One who can provide that.
The place opens its doors in an effort to help people like
you and I find that water that will quench our thirsty souls.
An old wooden sign hinged to a worn fence marks the entrance
of Still Waters and underneath the bold writing, a small
verse has been painted on the sign that reads "He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the
still waters." (Psalms 23:2) Just as the saying goes,
"you will find what you are looking for", Still
Waters offers nothing more and nothing less. Still Waters
will do its very best to provide an environment where this
can be achieved, but the overall experience comes down to
you. If you are searching for rest, you will find it, and
if you are searching for answers, you may find them as well.
In the end it all comes down to what you are searching for.
If you were to experience it for yourself, I believe that
you would agree wholeheartedly that Still Waters is a delight
for the eyes, and a comfort to the soul.
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