The River


 

As we walked along the river in Little Rock, the weather was perfect. Cool breeze, beautiful light, just the hint of the coming sunset. The Arkansas River rolling past on its never ending journey. Our group had worked hard and served well today. We had enjoyed a great dinner and were beginning to wind down. Soon we would be back at the church where the group is staying for a little ice cream and games. A devotion led by one of the youth would wrap up the night.
The philosopher of Ecclesiastes writes, “All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.” It is amazing how the waters flow. It is amazing how, through the years and all the changes in our world, this old river keeps on flowing. Never ceasing, never ending. Constant as the sunrise and sunset. Moving ever forward, month after month and year after year.
When I struggle with weariness or disappointment and feel I can’t go on, I should think of the river. sometimes, the best we can do is hold steady and keep moving forward. Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes life seems pointless and unfulfilling. But if we keep going, if we keep moving forward, we seem to find ourselves again. We find that God is the constant presence in which our own life flows.
Peace.

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