Nothing quite like this

There is nothing quite like starting your day like this:

I am standing eighteen inches away from the water at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Sun is on my back, warm but not heavy, painting rosy strokes on the clouds above and putting a soft glistening touch on the rolling hills across the big lake. The breeze is gentle, and the waves lap the rocky beach lazily, a peaceful, constant murmur in the background. Thanks to the technology of the day, the sound of familiar worship songs fill the area. I look up to the skies, I lift up my hands, and along with 44 of my closest Israel study tour friends, we sing our hearts out, blasting our praise in adoration of our Lord. Abandoning all other thoughts, surrendering ourselves to his perfect and good will. We sing and shout, shout and sing, united in mind and heart...

Later in the day, we'll be awed together at a first century village... take a crash course in Israeli history inside a bunker at the Golan Heights, where 18 year old stand alert and determined... fall in love with the land during a magical l, shady hike to the Banias Waterfalls, the beauty of which will rival any tropical destination... Learn insightful lessons on some of the most proud of Jesus' teaching under centuries old oak and olive trees in the two archeological sites... And finish the day with baptisms and recommitment in the Jordan River, where our Lord himself came to the water of baptism... and it all started at the shores of the Sea of Galilee - where Jesus started his ministry. I decided that today when I get home, I want to start each day as if I was standing by the Sea of Galilee - in worship, in humility, in praise, surrendering myself to my Lord. The days seem to get pretty exciting after such starts!
-Rich Weiler