I know I said I was done with vacation posts but I wanted to show you all the "Chapel in the Pines". It really moved me. This is a tiny little log cabin chapel in the middle of the old growth white pine forest at Hartwick Pines in Grayling. It was quite a hike to get there especially as cold as it was that day. I was aware of the chapel from reading about it at the welcome center but I figured there was no way that we were going to end up walking all the way back there to see it. We started on what I thought was going to be our short little walk and before long signs were telling us it was just ahead. I really wanted to see it so we proceeded on. 
Apparently someone anonymously donated the materials back in the 50's for this charming little chapel. It looked like it couldn't seat more than 15 people
It only had one window in the shape of a cross. Below the cross was the most amazing plaque inscribed with a nature prayer. I stood there reading the prayer and when I was done I had to compose myself before I could utter a word. I wonder how many others have had the same experience that I had there. It really was a gift.
As Craig and I were walking away I said "Craig, I want to get married there.... Oh yea, I'm already married".
Apparently someone anonymously donated the materials back in the 50's for this charming little chapel. It looked like it couldn't seat more than 15 people It only had one window in the shape of a cross. Below the cross was the most amazing plaque inscribed with a nature prayer. I stood there reading the prayer and when I was done I had to compose myself before I could utter a word. I wonder how many others have had the same experience that I had there. It really was a gift.As Craig and I were walking away I said "Craig, I want to get married there.... Oh yea, I'm already married".
"Nature's Prayer"Our Heavenly Father Creator of all that is nature. We humbly come to you in the midst of nature's splendor to thank you that as Americans we are free to worship as we please, work as we please, and move about as we please to enjoy all that is nature....It's mountains, it's hills, it's valleys, it's lakes, it's streams, and the living things that dwell therein; We pray unto you that someday the world may be at peace and all men be free to enjoy nature's abundance. We ask you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that we be guided to protect this priceless heritage which we in America are privileged to enjoy. Amen
6 comments:
Jessica: I want you to know that I'm not tired about hearing about your vacation. And I do enjoy looking at the photos of this magnificient chapel. I'd worship there as you may possibly get closer to the Lord there than in a "megachurch."
I love this place!I concur - I'm not tired of your vacation photos!
(FYI - on March 22 - Hartwick is having Maple Syrup Day whereby you get to tap the trees and sample the treats.)
ITA, nowhere near tired of your trip pics! This is just amazing, thank you for sharing.
Maybe you can renew your vows there.Its beautiful
This ia great!!
Thank you for showing this to me. This Really is a log chapel.
I wonder if there is a list of all these quaint little chapels somewhere?
Going up north every summer was the highlite of the year when dad took time off and, though it was not intended, the five of us were storing little memories away which, many years later, turned into short stories. These were times when families enjoyed quiet easy times unhindered by noisy distractions and celebrated with campfires under the stars, swimming in Lake Michigan with soft sandy beaches then go to a beach where rocks filled out pockets.
One time, while at Hartwick Pines a little unpretentious chapel appeared. We entered with no others present and asked our dad what the words said in the front of the room. He had a very nice voice, was a very good singer and he began reading in a quiet measured cadence just for us.. Even though the chapel is tiny, as he finished reading "the words" to us we turned to leave and saw the little chapel, nestled amongst tall..and even taller Pines..had filled up. Silence marked only by the sounds of birds singing and the wind rustling through the soaring tops of trees.
Until the day I am called to rest that moment will be the defining moment when I realized how lucky I was to have been a child of my mom and dad. I hope wherever my earthly departure takes me I will be granted that memory to stay with me.
Ps. When you arrive and feel the peace around you the choice to lock in the car every electronic device coveted by people today! Fellow visitors will thank you also.
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