This past summer I gave a short devotion to the family camp group that comes up to Green Lake in July. I talked about heaven and how Green Lake for me is like a glimpse of heaven on earth. Green Lake is a big part of my life and my faith. It is home to the American Baptist Assembly - a conference center purchased by Dr. Kraft (of Kraft cheese fame - interesting fact: he was also a minister) for people to come and find rest, fellowship with other Christians and enjoy God's beauty.
My family talks about Green Lake a lot. You'll find pictures of it throughout our home in Milwaukee. It has been a place of spiritual growth for my brother and I during our summers at camp. It has been a place of rest and rejuvenation during family vacations there.
Green Lake is often what I imagine heaven will be like. It is lush and green and natural. People are kind and friendly. Camp friends seek deep, personal relationships in an inclusive community. No computers. No televisions. Minimal cell phone reception. All those cares are left at the gates. I can feel God's presence there - sometimes through other people and sometimes simply through the breeze blowing up off the lake.
Green Lake is a place I want to take people. My family has brought some of our closest friends up to Green Lake with us over the years. It is a place we want to share with others. At the end of a family vacation or a summer spent at camp, it is hard for me to leave Green Lake. I feel safe there. If I could, I would probably just stay there all year - however I know that is not possible.
One of the years at camp, our theme was about living on the edge. On the back of the shirt for that year was this quote: "A ship at harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for." I will have that chance to be with God eternally some day, to be safe in His presence, in His heavenly community. But I am called beyond the gates of Green Lake, beyond the gates of my church, beyond my safe places and my comfort zone. He is calling me to be His hands and feet in a world that doesn't know Green Lakes or even heaven.
When the ship leaves the harbor the waters can be treacherous - but my Savior walks on water. After He has used me for His purpose, He has a harbor prepared for me eternally.
~SP
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