2020 First / Last Words: Psalm 46

At Wilderness Canoe Base, the tradition of First and Last word begins and ends every day, led by a different staff member each time. It has remained a tradition since the opening of WCB in 1956. Before breakfast, everyone at camp walks to the chapel (walk shown in video) in silence and finds a spot on the wooden pews. Then the staff member who is leading reads the chosen First Word verse three times. Between each repetition an extended amount of silence is given, allowing listeners to reflect on the Word. Following the third repetition, everyone is able to leave and return to Pinecliff (WCB center/ dining hall) and eat breakfast. Last word is a short reflection that states why the verse was chosen, what it means to the reader, maybe a story, and often includes a challenge or message for the rest of camp to take away. This reflection is given after everyone is finished eating dinner, while all are still sitting at their meal spots and attention is turned to the front of the room. The WCB tradition of First and Last Word centers the day on God and allows for staff members to share their faith and reflections.

First Word

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46: 10-11

Take a virtual walk to the WCB chapel for First Word

Last Word Reflection

I am sure that when you read, or heard, “Be still” you knew exactly where this was going: Psalm 46. It has become a Psalm that is read for many occasions and has inspired many songs. There are also many designs of the text meant for display… I will admit that I have one of these scrolling pieces of artwork hanging in my bedroom. But, I wanted to share these verses as First Word because of the meaning it has had in my life and faith journey. So, yes, I am sharing one of those last words that is driven by a story, and for me one that has been very formative. But what better way is there to grow in faith than through sharing parts of your journey with a community who can push you? 

Four years ago, I was at a camp in Colorado following my high school graduation. Summer of 2016 was challenging for me as I knew that I was about to enter an entirely new stage of life as a college student. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, what I really wanted to study and if I was even ready to leave home. It felt like a crossroads where I was unsure if I was prepared for a big change in my life. One of the evenings, I attended a Matt Wertz concert (shameless plug: if you have not listened to his music, go listen right now! Maybe start with his new song “Chase the Light”). Here he challenged the audience to spend time being still with the Lord. I remember thinking “How in the world do you do that? And why would I want to?” After the final song was played, he restated the challenge and I was surprised to see that everyone interpreted it as, okay, right now I am going to find a space to be alone with God. So, begrudgingly, I did the same- finding a spot at the end of a dock and dangling my feet in the water. I sat there and was anything but still. I was splashing my feet in the water, swatting bugs and looking all around me. My mind was even less still. It was swarmed with thoughts, worries, and “what if” questions about what my path was for the future. For every “what if” question I had, there were five follow up ones. There was so much going on and I began to become overwhelmed and emotional, as I frequently was at the time. Just as my thoughts were seeming to spin out of control, my mind suddenly went completely blank and all I could think was “Be still and know” over and over. I remember literally looking around me to see if anyone was there that had spoken to me because the voice in my head was so loud. To this day, I am in awe and feel confident that it was God placing the thoughts in my mind.

 Still today I look back on such a special moment. I was sent to spend quiet time being still and knowing God but I could not do it on my own; God sent me the words that I needed to calm the storm that made up my thoughts. Later, I decided to create a “Breath Prayer” in order to remind myself of the need to know God and just be.  It is “be still and know.” A Breath Prayer is derived from the Hebrew word “ruach” which means “breath,” “spirit,” or “wind” showing that breath is closely tied to the spirit (how cool is that!) When you breathe, you are connecting with the spirit. A Breath Prayer moves in and out on the wind of your breath and involves more being than doing. You observe and follow your breath as you pray and can be observed in long durations in order to be still in the presence of God, or can be a short prayer that is said many times throughout a busy day.             

I challenge you to take a moment before going to sleep tonight to be still before God. I don’t want to give you an agenda, as it will look different for each person, but try to spend it just knowing God.

-Lily