I’m not sure you have lived until you have stood on a riverbank on a rainy day, sheltered only slightly by trees, brushing off the droplets bountifully supplied by the squirrels shaking the wet branches overhead.

I’m not sure you have lived if you have never soaked in the silence that accompanies the gentle current pushing mayhaws down river and been surprised by the beauty of the tiniest of blooms that grow hidden among the bushes.

Even the smells lend to the peace of the setting. Unseen flowers lighten the air with their fragrance, and while the smell of mud may sound distasteful, it is the perfect accompaniment. Fallen leaves mixed with sand and dirt from the ages add their own unique aroma.

Beauty abounds,

but you must be willing to get wet.

And face the mosquitoes and chiggers.

There may even be a spider’s web that blocks your way.

Somehow, I believe that is the way with God’s grace. It is ready and available to all. It is bountiful and free and beautiful, but I must be willing to take the plunge of faith into His arms. I must step out of my comfort zone and trust Him with what is ahead.

There will be mosquitoes and chiggers (John 16:33). There will be spider’s webs and mud (John 15:20 – 21).

Oh, but the beauty of His love and His peace and His presence – indescribable.

You have not lived until you know my Lord.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Photos – On the River, Beth Mims