This is my River

This is me at age six with my Dad. Sunday afternoons, we left the house as soon as lunch was over and hopped into our boat. I explored the islands while dad set up his fishing post. I never felt lonely or afraid. There was a whole world to explore. I learned that I could always find my way back to my Dad by wandering along the edge of the island. This was how he taught me. We did things together. Then he would allow me to go off on my own. Sometimes we packed a lunch and stayed "on the river" until dark. We always brought home a few treasures, such as drift wood or a decoy.

Did you ever peer into the water and watch the life that goes on there? If you just touch your finger beneath the surface of the water and you are patient, eventually the life on the other side will come closer, as much as they dare, to explore you. I discovered this at age six. Thank you, Dad, for taking the time to provide this learning experience.

Some cultures will not allow the taking of pictures for superstitious or religious reasons. I live among the Amish and this is so for them (This is not so for you, or you would not be here on the computer at this time.) These pictures reinforced a good memory for me which may not have otherwise been remembered . This is where I go to relax. I remember what it was like to be a child and the calm of my day on the island.Water has always played a significant part in my life.Water is the calm within us. Without water there would be no life as we know it. Try to find a "river" for yourself, too. For some of you it may be a mountain stream, a still pond, a babbling brook, a beautiful waterfall, or the ocean waves meeting the shore.

I was taught that I must become as a little child to find happiness and peace. I believe in Heaven and a Benevalent God. But I was not promised that things would go smoothly or that the stream would not be rockey.
After all, if it were not for the rocks in it's bed, the stream would have no song.

I hope that there is "a river" that brings a stillness and wholeness to your life.