Posted on 04/24/2022 7:48:53 AM PDT by Mrs. Warrior
Carried by the River.
Every spring, we have barn swallows that try to build a nest on our front porch. One day, I heard a commotion, and thought I would shoo the birds away since they make such a mess! I ran out the door and right into the mailman! He staggered back as I was holding on to him for balance. He finally asked if I could stand on my own; he exclaimed, “I am only the mail carrier!”.
I grew up with people who suffered from depression; they were always trying to suck sympathy out of people. They demanded attention until they felt better at the expense of those around them. Now, as mature adults we find that living on our own is such a freedom to not have to be weighed down by a heavy cloud of gloom and doom.
We are going to the Buffalo National River for a 40th wedding anniversary trip this spring. There are waterfalls that are so lovely, and the river runs unfettered by dams. There are high bluffs where the swallows fly high above to nest. We cling to the Rock that is higher and find shelter, we are hid under the shadow of His wings. At the Cross, Jesus carried our sorrows, sins, and sickness.
It is the time in our lives, after raising children, for us to enjoy relaxing with each other. Our Shepherd leads us now to still waters, to streams by a meadow of wildflowers, where my beloved soulmate and I share a picnic with God. We are getting an inflatable boat at tax time, and we won't have to worry about inflation.
When the pull to be dragged into someone's sadness comes, I can only point to the One who can carry those burdens. I am so full of the Holy Spirit that I run with joy into River of Life! I can float, I will be carried to a River that flows from the throne of God! In this River I will come out walking joyfully since all my tears, bitterness, sorrow and pain were washed away. Jesus carries us in such tender arms; our arms only carry an offer of blessings.
A rubber raft will help me bounce back if I fall, if in life, when the flow of humanity crashes me into rocks thrown in front of me by the enemy. I wear a life jacket that is like the Holy Spirit, keeping me from having my joy stolen from me, keeping my face above the water and not sucked into the will of the deceiver of darkness; but rather to feel the warmth of the Son, to see and absorb the glory of His Creation; since I am a beloved daughter that God protects. I am surrounded with the Peace of God, ever holding me in His Righteous right hand, I never have to carry an empty hand or heart. The promises of God in Christ swirl as eddies, in pools of deep contentment; when I meet other travelers on the river in passing, I wish them a good journey and offer a “May God bless you”.
If we land, and travel into the hills and hollows, we will find the stories of the mountains. When the Buffalo River became a protected river no one could dam it. There are no dams strong enough to stop the flow of the Love of God! In my life the thing I desire most is for my family to grow deeper in their journey to find the Heart of the River of Life, who is God!
Congratulations to you and Mr. Warrior!
Have a wonderful trip!
Safe travels, and Make it a Wonderful Day.
Beautiful.
As I age, I have been thinking about ‘The River of Life’... how we emerge from the birth canal, head downstream with family, friends and colleagues. We fish, hit some rocks. Some float into ponds and bayous.
But we all end up on the beach!!!!!
Thanks for another fine message.
Running into the mailman. It’s not just for Dagwood Bumstead any more.
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