Anchored in Love — Faith, Family, and the Fires at Spider Lake

Focus Scripture

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

Thoughts

Growing up in Flint, Michigan, life wasn’t always easy. The pace was fast, the demands were real, and the pressures of the city could weigh heavily on a young soul. But tucked away just a few hours north, there was a different world—Spider Lake in Traverse City. It was a place of refuge, peace, and togetherness.

Our family’s lake house was more than a summer retreat; it was a sacred place where memories were stitched into the fabric of our hearts. Campfires crackled with warmth and laughter. The scent of toasted marshmallows and melting chocolate filled the night air as kids joyfully assembled s’mores. The boat rides at dusk were moments of silence and awe, the kind of beauty that makes you whisper thanks to God. Long walks along wooded trails gave way to long talks—some light, some deep—but all rooted in connection.

I remember the kids learning to swim in the cool waters of Spider Lake, unsure at first, then brave and proud. We’d cheer them on from the dock, just as God cheers us on through the seasons of growth in our lives. And when the sun began to fade, we often made our way to Peegeo’s Pizza, that little local spot where stories were shared, hands were held, and laughter was loud.

But as much as those days were about family, they also whispered a deeper truth: as I grew and married, I realized that while staying connected to our family of origin is important, we are called to cleave to our spouse in a new and sacred way.

Genesis 2:24 reminds us that marriage creates something new. A man leaves—not to abandon—but to reorder. And in that reordering, he is united with his wife. Together, they build a family with its own memories, its own rhythms, and its own legacy.

As wonderful as Spider Lake was, it served as a reminder: family roots matter, but so does the new branch God grafts through marriage. We carry both. We honor our past, but we also step into the future hand in hand with our spouse.

Life Application

Honor your roots. Reach out to family. Make the phone call. Plan the visit. Family is a gift and a foundation. Prioritize your marriage. Be intentional in creating space for connection with your spouse. Take walks. Share stories. Visit Ford's Garage Restaurant for an amazing meal, head to the St. Clair Shores Marina with family, take a ride through your old neighbor in Flint's eastside, drive through the parking lot of the new Flint Power's Catholic High School.

What is the point? Build new “Spider Lake” moments together. Create legacy moments for your children and family. If you're separated from family, due to disagreement, try again. Let them learn to swim, not just in water, but in faith, in love, and in family. Jesus did that for us!

Maybe you don’t have a literal lake house, but you can build a spiritual retreat in your home, through prayer, laughter, shared meals, and time together.

Closing Prayer

Father God, thank You for the gift of family and the deep roots that ground us. Thank You for places like Spider Lake and Peegeo's Pizza, where peace dwells and memories are made. Help us to honor our families of origin while embracing the calling to cleave to our spouses in love and unity. May we cherish the moments we have, build new ones with intention, and always invite You into every boat ride, campfire, and quiet walk. Teach us to be present, to connect, and to love as You have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.