Waterfall Coming

A generous-sized swimming hole, surrounded by spring green, leafy trees. Greens of many hues, light and dark, yellow- and blue-tinged. A picture of peace, where the water rests calm and welcoming. The swimming hole is a balloon which has swollen from the river which feeds it, a river which then continues on its journey via a spectacular waterfall.

I have had an impression of this picture for the last day or two. I sense that we at the ‘hillock, and maybe many others, are now and have been ok in this swimming hole for some time now, during lock-down. It’s safe and fun, and we are making the most of it. It doesn’t feel stagnant but neither is there a sense of any sort of current pulling us onward.

But a current there is, of course, a current of life, of seasonal change, and as I’ve been thinking about this picture I’ve sensed, not that the waterfall signifies danger, but that it signifies major change. One thing I’ve learned over the last year and a bit is that life holds unanticipated surprises, and the best way to navigate the changes is to remain in the security of the love of God, a ‘boat’ he provides to keep us afloat.

Many of us don’t like change. It is unsettling, and we’ve become accustomed to whatever norm we have been in for awhile. For others, though, I am aware that that waterfall can’t come soon enough. Lock-down lagoon has been lonely, frightening, and sad. However we feel as the current begins to pull us towards the waterfall, it’s encouraging to remember that ‘she who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.’ (Ps 91) Though everything in life is fluid and fluctuating, God is my rock. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

I’m preparing to hold tight and ride the rapids.