28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
The sound of water tumbling over the rocky riverbed forms a background symphony to life at the cabin. Soothing, constant, it draws me out to the deck. At the railing, I lean over to catch the glint of light on the tumbling water, drinking in the fresh air and lush greenery.
Memories like shadows flit through my mind of years gone by. With my siblings, splashing and playing in the river on a visit to grandparents. As adults, a reunion of sorts as we four wade in the water, navigating the slippery boulders, splashing and laughing like children. Last year’s kayaking on the lazy river, summer’s slower pace circling us up and back.
The water flows on. Sometimes fast and furious, other times slow and playful. The thundering of high volume, or the chatter of less—all the while never stopping. Its voice a beckoning to come closer, to sit and listen. Listen to the voice of creation extolling the Creator.
I hear His voice in the waters. “Come rest, my child. I am more constant than the river. I am more reliable than the sun. My word flourishes more than the trees and the moss. Soak in My sound of love. Absorb My beauty. Let what has been planted in you flourish. Come away with Me and rest. See Me in this picture of the abundance I long to share with you.”
How easily demands and busyness blinds our senses to the goodness He has placed within our reach. The lushness of Brewster Valley speaks no less so than the majestic silence of the desert. If only I will stop. And listen. And look. And wait.
He is here now, with me. A promise kept.
