March 21
He who believes in me, as scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ John 7:38
They stood side by side that day holding hands, watching in utter amazement as the rapidly flowing, tumultuous water tumbled over boulders and small rocks, slowing as it twisted here and there, before it thundered down the jutting cliffs into the river below. The noise was deafening! Landing, it swirled and jumbled in many directions, almost behaving as though it did not know which way to go. The fall created a mist that rose above the river to magnificent heights; so high that as the sunlight penetrated through, a rainbow appeared and remained as long as the sun shined! Then just beyond the churning and turbulence, suddenly the river became calm; moving quietly and serenely as it continued its journey toward the sea. The sights and sound were positively glorious! They were on their Honeymoon that day, visiting Niagra Falls, and the years of their married life lay ahead of them like the elusive sight of that river as it wound its way out of view. In their exhilaration, neither of them at that time had any comprehension of how much this river would symbolize their life together.
In time they learned that life surely is like a river. There are days - years sometimes that were so fast-paced and full, so noisy and busy with loving, learning and creating, that the moments flew by quickly, one after the other, often like the blurry mist from that waterfall, when they looked back. There were the moments when turbulent times made them feel as though they were plummeting out of control into a place they would rather not have been. As the couple tumbled over the obstacles they faced throughout the years, there were hesitations, stretches when they got caught up with events, slowed to a stop even; giving them time to pause and reflect. Then unexpectedly, God’s love would shine through like the sun through the mist over the waterfall , helping them recognize more clearly the gifts around them; the rainbows of love and caring that replenished their feelings of wholeness and optimism. More cognizant of all the blessings God had gifted them with, they were calmly, gently, lead to a closer relationship with Him and a deeper appreciation of each other, their loved ones and the peaceful times.
Like that spectacular river they witnessed in breathtaking awe as they held hands that beautiful autumn day, their life together continues to take their breath away! Yes, their journey is still unpredictable, even after nearly 45 years; and they know there will be more turbulent times ahead sprinkled into the days of seeming serenity; but its okay. My husband, Roger and I have come to know that with God’s grace, we will get through. Our appreciation of the precious people and moments in our lives deepens every day. We thought we loved each other so much then! With profound understanding in our hearts and souls, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are with us always on this journey toward Him, we have faith that He will continue to fill our hearts to overflowing.
Our lives flow like a river to you, Oh Lord! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
He who believes in me, as scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ John 7:38
They stood side by side that day holding hands, watching in utter amazement as the rapidly flowing, tumultuous water tumbled over boulders and small rocks, slowing as it twisted here and there, before it thundered down the jutting cliffs into the river below. The noise was deafening! Landing, it swirled and jumbled in many directions, almost behaving as though it did not know which way to go. The fall created a mist that rose above the river to magnificent heights; so high that as the sunlight penetrated through, a rainbow appeared and remained as long as the sun shined! Then just beyond the churning and turbulence, suddenly the river became calm; moving quietly and serenely as it continued its journey toward the sea. The sights and sound were positively glorious! They were on their Honeymoon that day, visiting Niagra Falls, and the years of their married life lay ahead of them like the elusive sight of that river as it wound its way out of view. In their exhilaration, neither of them at that time had any comprehension of how much this river would symbolize their life together.
In time they learned that life surely is like a river. There are days - years sometimes that were so fast-paced and full, so noisy and busy with loving, learning and creating, that the moments flew by quickly, one after the other, often like the blurry mist from that waterfall, when they looked back. There were the moments when turbulent times made them feel as though they were plummeting out of control into a place they would rather not have been. As the couple tumbled over the obstacles they faced throughout the years, there were hesitations, stretches when they got caught up with events, slowed to a stop even; giving them time to pause and reflect. Then unexpectedly, God’s love would shine through like the sun through the mist over the waterfall , helping them recognize more clearly the gifts around them; the rainbows of love and caring that replenished their feelings of wholeness and optimism. More cognizant of all the blessings God had gifted them with, they were calmly, gently, lead to a closer relationship with Him and a deeper appreciation of each other, their loved ones and the peaceful times.
Like that spectacular river they witnessed in breathtaking awe as they held hands that beautiful autumn day, their life together continues to take their breath away! Yes, their journey is still unpredictable, even after nearly 45 years; and they know there will be more turbulent times ahead sprinkled into the days of seeming serenity; but its okay. My husband, Roger and I have come to know that with God’s grace, we will get through. Our appreciation of the precious people and moments in our lives deepens every day. We thought we loved each other so much then! With profound understanding in our hearts and souls, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are with us always on this journey toward Him, we have faith that He will continue to fill our hearts to overflowing.
Our lives flow like a river to you, Oh Lord! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson