This summer so far we have experienced lots of days with rain. I would invite you to take a moment, in the midst of these encounters with rain or if you are near the ocean, a lake or a river, to watch the water. Listen to the noise it makes as it rushes through the gutters and down the hills or over rocks. It is noisy. It is busy. It moves quickly. Pause for a moment and watch.

 "On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side.' And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be Still! Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?' And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'' (Mark 4:35-41)
 
At the beginning of the story, Jesus leaves the crowd to go out in the boat. As you have experienced summer so far, have you left behind crowds to go on vacation or retreat? What are those crowds for you?
 
What is the noise in your life? At home? Worries? Things you have to do? Busyness? Hurt? Anger? Fear? Change? Take time to identify them one by one. Then remember the words of Christ, "Peace! Be Still! Let God still the stormy waters within you. Let God turn off the noise and give you peace.

Prayer for Today 
 
Creator God, Thank you for the water that cleanses and refreshes us. Open our minds and hearts to experience your peace and stillness. Guide us as we seek to grow in our faith even in those difficult times. In Christ's Name, Amen.