Splash! Splash!
Tare’s paddle glides through the water, gently and playfully moving the boat forward with each stroke into the calm waters.
The sweet hum of birds and the serene sound of nature can be heard all around as the gentle rays of the early morning sun splits through the dew-capped trees. Casting light and friendly shadows of trees and grasses across the softly undulating waters.
Tare loves to go fishing in the wee hours of the day. Absorbing the serenity of nature not only refreshes her but also gives her time with her thoughts and an opportunity to appreciate the glory of God in creation.
Paddling through the gentle streams, and hearing the gentle lapping of the waters of her community as it lazily flows by is a much cherished moment of her day.
Today she’s in thought about the boat that makes it possible for her to take this journey beyond the shores of her simple life into the quiet and peaceful stream.
A barrister, working in the busy city, these moments she has to live a few weeks in the simple community of her roots are priceless and highly treasured. The calm, the breath of fresh air that she experiences cannot be expressed in words.
Any opportunity to escape the busy life of the city to reboot is highly appreciated. And escape she does whenever she has the chance.
Unlike King David who is led beside the still waters, she sees herself gliding on the still waters carried along by this simple but very useful little canoe.
“This little boat makes it possible for me to leave the shores, navigate through these multiple streams and little creeks.” She muses to herself.
“Yes” she continues, deep in thought, ‘In theory, one can swim through these places, but it’s practically impossible”
“With a little effort, I can simply enter this canoe, and paddle to virtually anywhere I want within the creeks and around these streams and enjoy nature as I do so”
She can’t help but realize that this is what the word of God does in our lives.
A simple effort on our part, and we are able to navigate through life, afloat in the grace of God, protected from the dangers that lurk underneath in the world, like the dangers beneath the boat on the stream.
Not only are we protected, but we also get to see the glory of God in the world and appreciate God more.
A man who looks into the word often will better appreciate God’s glory in creation.
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world.” Ps 19: 1-4. TLB