THE RIVER OF LIFE

I read in this morning's paper, The St. Paul Pioneer Press, that the city of Stillwater is to purchase about 2 miles of the St. Croix River's frontage just north of Stillwater for a park. Oh. happy day! The city has been looking for just such a site for a long time. I look forward to another  summer warm enough to want to take a swim!  Our summer this year, so they say, was not typical!  Funny...I liked it!  Minnesota summers here are often hot in the afternoon with humidity.  Once and awhile it gets up to 90 degrees.  Coming from Arizona summers where you gave to be brave to handle the summer days, MN summers are a cinch.


Of all the rivers I have crossed or seen or stepped in, the St. Croix River is my favorite.  For many years our family boated on the St. Croix and for a while we even lived on a boat in the summer. It is a beauty of a river!


 But any kind of flowing water gives me a sense of serenity, as well as a sense of power. Perhaps that is why the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, speaks often of  rivers.  Different authors, writing about different times, may possibly be speaking of the same river in the setting of Israel and Judah as rivers have a way of wandering. The study tells me: "Rivers are associated with the river in the Garden of Eden (See Gen.2:10).  The river symbolizes life from  God and the blessings that flow from His throne.  It is a gently, safe, deep river, expanding as it flows, transforming the world and ourselves no matter how lifeless or corrupt we may be.  Even when we feel messed up and beyond hope, his power can heal us, our lives having a river flow covering rocks and rills" 


Rivers are life-giving just as God gives us life and life-everlasting. Give Him a moment or two of your time, and thank Him for the things of nature that keep us interested in the world around us. Enjoy His Presence along with the waters that you love.


I pray you may know a river that flows near to you,  and near to your heart as the St. Croix does to mine. I think someday I'd like to be part of that river!


The river has a heart that beats just like yours and mine.  Can you hear it?


Jo in MN