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Finding that ‘safe haven’ to escape

Bob Beck

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.        Psalm 107: 28-30

 

I grew up on a small farm in the hills just east of Newport, Ore. Dad worked at the bank in town but mom and dad both thought it would be good for four energetic boys to have a place to roam, and learn the responsibility of raising animals. It really was a great place to grow up; I loved to wander the woods and watch the clouds go by overhead. Also, it was only a couple of miles to the beach, so I could walk to the ocean overlook and watch the waves during a good storm. 

One of my favorite places to visit (perhaps “hide” is a better word) was between our property and town. I had found a place where the moss and needles were as thick as a soft feather bed in a grove of Douglas Firs. It became my “haven” where I could go to daydream, or just get away from my big brothers. 

Sometime in my adult life I have been told that I should have a “haven” in my mind, a comforting place from memory that I can go to when work or events become too stressful. When I have needed that “haven” I have gone to that bed of needles and moss under the fir trees. For years that place has only been in my mind, but I can still feel its comfort. I pray that you have that comforting place that you can go to, either physically or in your memory. 

Praying that you find release from the stress and cares that come your way.

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