FROM THE BACK PORCH

A beautiful photograph of Ring Lake Ranch, taken from the Ridge, hangs in my office at the children's hospital where I work. The picture, of course, captures a single, sunlit moment in time, but when I look at it, I often find myself mentally moving through time -- past, present and future.

Our son David took the original snapshot during one of his summers in the mid-nineties when he was a junior staff person. A couple of years ago he took my not-so-subtle hint, had the photo enlarged, and matted and framed it for my birthday. I love the picture and the gift! Often looking at it, I remember the wonderful, enriching experiences David had those past four summers-time when he made lasting friendships, learned the discipline of manual labor, sometimes struggled with the challenges of living in community, discovered over and over the joy of being in the wilderness. Knowing that those experiences influenced his life in many ways and helped form the adult he has become, Rod and I both are grateful for all that Ring Lake Ranch has meant in the past. The photograph also reminds me that David's summers away from home prepared me to 'let go' of the child. I rejoice in the wonderful adventures he had at Ring Lake Ranch, and celebrate now David's decision to live, for a while, on the other side of the world as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kazakhstan, a place, not surprising, with mountains like those in Wyoming.

Just as the photograph reminds me of past summer sessions and wonderful memories of worship and meals shared, hiking with old and new friends, quiet, restful times, I have discovered the image of Ring Lake Ranch and the surrounding land offers a kind of nourishment for my soul in the present. The frantic work pace in a busy teaching hospital and the demands of patients and staff sometimes overwhelm me. At those times, when I long to fly away and be at the Ranch, a comforting solitude can be found within me when I simply pause and imagine being there.

Most people who come into my office for the first time comment about the breath-taking beauty of my Ring Lake photograph. The Ranch itself is hardly visible at first glance, buildings dwarfed by the size of Trail Lake, the majesty of the surrounding mountains and the distance from the Ridge. But the sight captivates folks, perhaps because of its incredible contrast to the large southern metropolis where we live, or maybe it is simply the awesome beauty of God's earth caught in that moment. They always want to know where the picture was taken and many are intrigued to learn about this wonderful retreat in the Wind River Mountains. I love telling others about the Ranch. For a brief time our conversation carries us through the mind's eye and we are there. The picture somehow conveys the amazing joy of this special place, even to those who have never been there. Together we hope for the time that once again, or for the first time, we will be at Ring Lake Ranch.

~ Ann Hunter