I spent one summer of my college years at a science station in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My college required completion of a summer program, and while classmates headed off to Europe and Israel, I signed up for science in South Dakota! Cost was a factor, but I hoped checking off my academic science requirements would be easier at a camp than on campus. I also thought field science courses seemed practical for my future as an elementary teacher.
A good plan had unfolded for my Black Hills summer studies. My college best friend also enrolled in the program. It was reassuring to go with someone, since it was far away and I didn’t know anyone else going. Days before the spring semester ended, my friend met me for dinner and told me that she had decided not to go. Her change of mind stunned me and left me questioning my plans. I only vaguely recall considering my options, but I have a clear memory that confirming my Black Hills program plans was a step of faith that God wanted me to take. It seems trite now, but it was big for me then.
The summer of botany, zoology and geology studies proved rewarding in every way! I saw it then, and still do now, as confirmation that I had followed God’s plan for me. In academic subjects that had proved challenging for me in high school, I made my all-time highest college grades. I developed a growing appreciation for the beauty of nature and the wonder of creation ( All Creatures Great and Small). Hands-on classes were fun and engaging. We travelled throughout the remote and beautiful Black Hills region for field trips, and I camped for the first time with new friends. I experienced a spiritual awakening that summer too. As I spent regular time outdoors alone with God and His Word, a personal real walk developed with Him. Braving the program on my own turned into a time of maturing and happy expansion … yes, just west in South Dakota!
One of the reasons my Black Hills summer comes to mind occasionally is because of a song I hear on one of my regular playlists. It was not that summer’s hit tune, but a hymn sung by a student choir. One of the guys took it upon himself to form a volunteer choir for us. He picked a few hymns that we practiced and performed in Sunday services at one or two local churches. I especially remember singing “How Firm a Foundation” *. The hymn’s lyrics are vivid yet poetic, and the tune is robust, like a national anthem!
I close by sharing the first stanza of the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” because the words align perfectly with the theme of my blog: the foundational value of God’s Word for us.
How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more could He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
From John Rippon’s “Selection of Hymns,” 1787, Public Domain Based on 1 Peter 3 v 23 & v 25
* ”How Firm a Foundation” is one of several hymns Rev. Tim Keller chose for his memorial service. The worship service in his remembrance was held last week in St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NY). I have added the memorial link to my recent blog about him.
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