In a place where pervasive land steals imagination's potency, lake Springfield gives my mind a place to think; the fluid, moving plane that shimmers with value cradles my sanity dearly. As far back as I can remember, the lake has been a source of insight and encouragement to me.

For example, this summer past I had an operation on my jaw. In the weeks preceding the operation (which I knew would be painful and depressingly debilitating -- I had to have my teeth wired shut for 6 weeks!), I found solace on the lake. Instead of worrying and moping about my upcoming surgery, I took time out and went tubing on the Lake in a friend's boat. Laughing and speeding through the cool water, I realized that there was no sense in worrying about something that hadn't even happened yet. I spent the rest of my pre-surgery days, not only in great spirits, but in the comfort of the shiny expanse of water. I took insight from such a simple thing -- just as the lake's water flows slowly on, I would float on through whatever obstacle was put in my way.

Many other times exist in which the lake has encouraged me. Every year around the Fourth of July, the lake becomes a mirror of beauty, reflecting the firework colors of this great country onto the canvass of my mind -- the lake reminds me of my country and its freedoms. When the autumn leaves begin to fall, I always look to the lake for inspiration in school and cross-country. Just as the lake's waters begin to turn, I too turn my focus towards my studies and running with special vigor incited by the amazing array of leafy foliage that descends into the chilly black waters.

With such intense beauty and difference in this land-orientated city, the lake has given me special thoughts through its choppy waters. I will always look forward to the summers home after a year of college, when I can spend the humid evenings out relaxing on our boat in the safe smooth depths of Lake Springfield.