By Nancy Ellis of Interlochen, Michigan USA

And whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

My husband, Dick, and I have wandered throughout the upper peninsula of Michigan during our summer vacation for many years. We have enjoyed camping, walking the beaches, hiking in the woods, seeing the waterfalls, and experiencing the wonders of God’s creation.

One summer day we visited the shipping locks at Sault Ste. Marie. These locks are bordered by Michigan, USA, on one side and Ontario, Canada, on the other. Most ships that pass through the locks carry iron ore from Duluth.

As we watched, a freighter entered the lock, which then filled with water. Soon the huge freighter was at our eye level. We shouted “hello” to one of the ship’s crew and asked what they were carrying.

“A load of wheat,” he said. “We picked up the load in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and it’s bound for Bangladesh—a gift from the people of Canada to help the hungry in that country.”

He further explained that they were heading into the St Lawrence Seaway.

God’s warm Spirit flooded me as I thought about the people who had made the gift of wheat possible, the global mission I represented, and the many ways that God’s love is at work around the world.

Prayer Phrase

“And all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Abundant Blessings

At the close of the day, reflect on where you noticed God’s blessings, especially in unexpected places. Offer a prayer of thanks and try to release any worry, trusting that God’s abundance will meet you again tomorrow.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.