Wait for Still Waters

"...He leadeth me beside still waters..."

 "He leadeth me beside still waters..."  Our assignment this year has delivered us to a very tiny village that sits along a narrow, meandering road that runs parallel to the Rhein River, the longest river in Europe. It originates in the Swiss Alps, is 766 miles long and wanders through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before exiting into the North Sea.
Early in the morning, we cross the meandering road and walk along the Rhein. It is still and reflects an embankment of trees or small mountains beyond it.  There is not a ripple or swirl or a current in it. And birds serenade it.

Then, mid-morning the strong currents begin to wake up the lazy river, and it becomes more active, transporting pleasure crafts and sightseeing boats and ducks and swans downstream.



However,  
Just a few miles further downstream, the personality of the river changes: its currents are furious and powerful, strong enough to drown the fittest swimmer.  This river personifies opposing characteristics: calm, quiet, passive or  passionate, busy, and aggressive.
In a peculiar kind of way, we like the lessons that the personalities of this river bring to our mind.  When it demonstrates the latter attributes, it is very productive in that it creates a time-tested necessity:
powerful electricity!
The former attributes offer a tranquil invitation, "Walk with me a little further."

All of us stroll beside a river like this - of busyness and craziness then tranquility and laziness.   When we encounter turbulence, look for power, electricity, and opportunities.  The tumblings of life always pass, and they always leave a spiritual truth for us to dig out and live out.
In the same way, still waters, too, come our way.  Wait for still waters; they will come. This is when God invites us to "...walk with me a little further."  This becomes our down-time, the processing time needed during recovery.

We love the Rhein River (second only to the Mighty Mississippi).  There is so much life in it and on it. It both energizes and soothes.  It mesmerizes and makes us want to stay longer. This week, we have walked beside still waters.

These two blog writers pray that you have walked beside still waters this week and that you know where to find the One who is able to always "...lead beside still waters..." (Psalm 23)  If you have a friend who is 'looking for still waters,' please share this blog. 

Keep looking up!
J:m and L:nda