Introduction

Photo by Sharon Gallo

I love being out on the river.  I have spent most of the last 30+ summers whitewater rafting, canoeing, or kayaking.  A few years ago when I went through a very difficult time, I found solace on the river.  At that time, it was about the only place I could sense God’s presence, the only place I felt some measure of peace.  The quiet and beauty around me, the opposite of the turmoil within me, was able to seep into my very being, quieting the storm, at least while I was there.  I spent 30-50 days each summer of the last 4 summers out on the river.  Jesus met me there and began His healing work.  He used other things and people in my life also, but I believe my time on the river with Him and the friends He blessed me with who went with me were a large factor in bringing healing and restoration to my life.

I have the following verse painted on the side of my kayak:  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”  My spare kayak continues the verse with, “And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.”  (Isaiah 43:2)  I started quoting this verse back in our whitewater rafting days, usually just before a big rapid.  He is faithful.  He has been with me and the rivers have not overflowed me.  

Lately, I have felt the Lord’s nudge to share some of what I’ve learned.  Much of what I’ve learned I will relate in terms of the river, for three reasons:  rivers are near and dear to my heart, I know something about rivers, and the Bible also uses rivers in analogies.  I do not expect to amaze anyone who happens to read these blogs with marvelous new insights (there is nothing new under the sun).  It is more that I expect to learn even more by writing it out.  Writing forces you to think.  So really, this is more for me than anything else.  I’m just inviting you to come along on my ramblings if you so desire.