This river has whitewater mixed with stretches of calm water. |
He joins his group on the river early at dawn. The water stretches far out of sight before him, inviting yet concealing hidden dangers. They take their places in the raft, he at first letting the others row. Starting out, the waters are calm, slow; the ride is peaceful and easy. Then the waters quicken and froth. He takes a place rowing the raft. The journey’s pace has increased. The river is filled with rapids and rough water. At these places his young body rows hard to keep control and weather the white waters. The raft tosses him around roughly at times as the rushing waters make the raft twist and turn, bob and rise until finally calm waters come again. He can relax and let the raft drift along with the gentle current and enjoy the peace of the moment. The sun is now high in the sky overhead. They stop for a breather and nourishment. It’s great to be alive on such a day! Storm clouds now gather, threatening to ruin the trip. Back on the river, soon comes a hard, pelting rain, filling the raft with cold water. He rows and bails, rows and bails until they escape the storm and return to bright sunshine. Ahead lie more rapids to navigate, for the river is a series of calm stretches interrupted by white waters. The day wears on. He paddles tirelessly, keeping a watchful eye on the younger passengers. Late in the afternoon they stop and rest on the bank, admiring the scenery surrounding them. Then it’s back to the river, back to navigating whatever the river may throw at them on this journey. Finally, tired and exhausted, he makes it to river’s end and brings the raft ashore, as the sun is rapidly setting on his day. As he climbs out onto the shore, his back is bent, his joints arthritic, and his hair now gray. He exclaims, “What a great trip this has been – fun, exhilarating, challenging, fulfilling. Yet it was over all too quickly. It passed too fast! How did I get to be old so soon when I still feel so young and vibrant? My, how I’d like to take this trip again.” But you only get one trip down this river. Please check out my ten books: http://www.amazon.com/Jr.-Harry-E.-Gilleland/e/B004SVLY02/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 |