ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The watercolor painting I’m sharing today was done at the Coon Rapids Dam. I live in one of the first towns established in Minnesota. It’s the birthplace of Garrison Keillor. Born on August 7, 1942, in Anoka, Minnesota, he became a familiar radio voice on “A Prairie Home Companion.” The beauty of this area is that it doesn’t take long to get from place to place. There are a number of historic sites around us. You can take a drive and soon find yourself in farm country with houses few and far between. I love this painting, because it shows that mankind can restrain waters from flooding by using dams, but they didn’t create those waters. We can try to hold back tears, but they will come in buckets at times. God, in all His glory, created this and every planet with just a word. Dams will need repair from time to time in order to work properly. Our hearts need to be repaired too, but only God can do that.

You speak, Lord and the mountains listen,
You open your hand and the power of rushing water jets from their walls,
The cliffs bow down to you,
How majestic is your name in all the world,
Within your fingers you carve the granite into flowage for water,
With one word, you contain those rushing rivers into glasslike lakes,
Your voice holds majesty and steadfastness and all the angels praise your holy name,
With your breath, we are inspired,
Your eyes survey your creation,
What once was good is now spoiled,
But still you maintain control over it,
Not a word or action goes unnoticed,
Not a prayer goes unheard,
Your ever presence comforts and protects us,
The mountains lay low at the sound of your voice,
You command water to spring from barren land,
And it heeds,
You say the word and your will is done,
In spite of us,
Where can we hide from you?
Why would we try?
Let me run to you instead of away,
Lead my steps straight to your waiting arms,
Let me rest in your unfailing love.

Dear, Creator, God, You know this world and all its faults. In spite of that you love us. You look at us and see your Son, Jesus and the price he paid for our redemption. Soothe the hearts of those who mourn – of those in pain – of those caring for the sick and dying – for the weak and weary – for those who don’t yet know you – and bring us peace. Amen!