It’s 7:30 AM and the Kingfisher is unhappy! He keeps flying in low circles around the Cross with very shrill and insistent chrrrrrs.

Invading his fishing territory is my pastor (also a board member of STM) and his son, who with a lot of movement and noise, are weed whacking and trimming around the solar light on the island.

In a few hours a retired pastor and his wife will be arriving at WaterBrooks with their small camper for a few days of rest and solitude.

After 30 + years of ministry, this couple certainly deserves a few days of quietness and reflection. Plus, it’s their 50th anniversary!

So, on this misty morning we are making an early joyful noise unto the Lord, serving Him with gladness so that this dear retired pastor and his wife can enter these gates of Waterbrooks with songs of praise and come into the presence of Jesus to thank Him for His goodness, His love and His faithfulness all these years.

It’s a song that the kingfisher joins in. He is patiently waiting. In just a few more minutes he will be able to be alone on his perch keeping a watchful eye over the water.

And as we wait for the arrival of our guests, hemmed in with the hush of the constantly running water,

silence will again settle over WaterBrooks…

broken only with the occasional “chrrrrrr” of a satisfied kingfisher.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His Presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, He is God!
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness is to all generations.”

Psalm 100