July 29 - When the Waters Rise

Gooseberry Falls

A late July storm transformed Gooseberry Falls into a scene more reminiscent of spring runoff than midsummer. Several inches of rain poured across the North Shore, swelling the Gooseberry River and sending torrents of muddy water crashing through the gorge toward Lake Superior.

Standing near the riverbank, you could feel the thunder of the water beneath your feet as mist filled the air and the roar echoed through the valley. Trees that normally stand peacefully along the shoreline suddenly seemed small against the overwhelming force of the floodwaters. In moments like this, nature reminds us how quickly calm beauty can become raw power.

Water is one of creation’s greatest forces. It shapes valleys, carves rock, nourishes forests, and sustains life itself. Yet its immense power also humbles us, reminding us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.

“But let justice roll down like waters

And righteousness is like an ever-flowing stream.” — Amos 5:24

Moments like these remind us that humility is not weakness, but the proper response to the majesty and power of God’s creation.