Down By The Riverside

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” —Psalms: 23:2, 3

A place to play—a place to pray—down by the riverside—no grass to cushion my bottom-side. Amidst this smooth, creamy mud, the soil of the earth oozing between my toes—mother-nature’s economic pedicure didn’t cost me anything.

Mountain tops clothe in glistening white snow, unpolluted, untainted untouched like that of a virgin. Then came the sun—from where unbeknown; shining so vividly clear—warm—inviting, the snow surrenders.

Water—once light, fluffy, feathery white snow—moving ever so slowly, gracefully trickles down the mountain-side drawn to the river below. Through crevices, cracks, and gaps the water caressing the rocks as the snow continues to melt.

The voyage—a slow but steady journey the water gradually makes its way down the mountain. A marriage made in heaven this pure clean substance, the essence of life and death. I stopped to listen to the sounds of this peaceful soothing water while sitting on a rock—praying down by the riverside.

Lush, plush vegetation surrounds the river’s edge. Wildly rugged, naturally organic—unkempt, untouched by human hands. A scene of serenity and tranquility, a place only God could create. A taste of heaven right here on earth. My mind is at ease, my soul at rest as I pray in the midst of this paradise.

Reflections—as though I’m looking in a mirror. Trees high above on dry land visibly seen in the clear river beside me. Flowers and plants displayed in an array of brilliant colors, the fragrance overwhelms my nostrils. Twinkling lights seem to flicker off the water as the sun sets. Reflections of myself—reflections of my life’s journey on this earth.

Amazing are the sounds this union of water born from snow top mountains. Thundering, roaring, echoing from afar—I hear rushing waters down-stream, clearly fighting the rocks at the river’s bottom. An eager reception just listen—the river sings.

Water—just water such a force of nature. God’s amazing grace unappreciated by the human race. The river sings tunes titillating to the ears. Charmed and enchanted by the sounds I hear. Speechless am I as I pray—down by the riverside this beautiful glorious day.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”—Psalms 1:2, 3 

Yvonne C. Freeman

From the inspiration of the Lord