The beautiful lighthouses of Lake Superior are more than just a pretty sight
I happen to have a job that allows me to travel around Minnesota quite a bit, and most recently, it took me to my favorite place.
The North Shore
And yes, that should most definitely be capitalized.
It’s that great.
On a three hour break I had, I buzzed up to Canal Park.
Ahhhhhhh.
Just writing about it brings back all the peace and calming effects that place has on me.
Seriously, it’s medicine for the soul.
At least my soul, that is.
If that seems dramatic to you, then, well, that’s just unfortunate. I have no witty comeback for this. One cannot simply joke about a place as sacred as the North Shore on Lake Superior.
Oh I’m serious.
Whenever I get there, the first thing I do is walk down to the walkway by the lift bridge and make my way to the lighthouse at the end.
It juts out into Lake Superior, giving you a view of an expansive body of water that seems to swallow you up just by looking at it.
It’s the BEST.
I also have this weird, nostalgic, sense memory every time I see a lighthouse.
I immediately start singing “Candle On The Water” or “Brazzle Dazzle Day” from Pete’s Dragon.
Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, “What’s Pete’s Dragon?”
Just. Stop.
Stop right where you are.
Put down the phone, tablet, computer, or whatever device you are using and go watch it. I'm not talking about the new version that is out in theaters. Go find the original.
GO.
I’m not kidding.
Do yourself a favor.
It’s the thing childhoods are made of. Or at least mine.
So. Good.
Anyway, after that impulse of serenading the general public with Pete’s Dragon songs, I simply breathe it in.
The view.
The water.
The fresh air.
Lighthouses have a way of reminding me that everything is gonna be okay.
They are a warning to protect ships from crashing into shore, yes.
However, I see them more as a beacon of hope.
No matter how bad the waters have been. No matter how long the journey has been. Once you see that light shining, you know you’ve made it.
Everything is going to be alright.
You can finally take a deep breath and know that you are going to find rest here.
And let’s be honest, we all need lighthouses in our lives. And they come in many different forms: friends, family, quiet moments by yourself in a plane, a fresh pot of coffee, cracking open a new book etc…
Somehow, they always manage to show up the moment you think you can’t take anymore.
Whatever it may be, keep your eyes open for it.
That lighthouse. That hope. It’s crucial.
And more importantly, it’s life giving.
