Being in another part of the country is more than just an interesting experience. It makes me reflect on what holds us together as a nation or society. True, people are people, with many of the same needs, wants, and desires but at the same time there’s a different tenor here. Perhaps one only sees the differences when visiting.
Like other old industrial cities, Duluth has worked to revitalize itself. And, like other cities, it seems to think that its answer is in the tourist trade. Although one might think that summer is the time for tourists, people here tell me that in spite of the severe cold, winters bring tourists looking to bring home all kinds of stuff.
One thing, though, most of the stuff is locally made. The part of town called Canal Park touts crafts created by local artisans. But there’s more. Iron ore from the Michigan U.P. is brought by ship to the Duluth-Superior port for transport by even bigger ships. And the rush hour still clogs roads. Let’s see what more I can learn today.
Prayer for the Day
A breeze coming off the lake, the morning air is cool,
With the sounds of gulls flying about looking for breakfast;
The vast expanse of water with only small trawlers
Makes us reflect on the power of your creation, O God.
Cradle us in your arms, Holy One, as we start our days,
Enabling us to realize the beauty of the world around.
In the name of the One who opens us to your beauty,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Fall in love with the energy of the mornings …
- Sanober Khan, poet
Have you ever seen the dawn? Not a dawn groggy with lack of sleep or hectic with mindless obligations and you about to rush off on an early adventure or business, but full of deep silence and absolute clarity of perception? A dawning which you truly observe, degree by degree. It is the most amazing moment of birth
- Vera Nazarian, from The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
And the evening and the morning was the first day
Genesis 1;5