If Time is a River

Einstein’s idea that “Time is a river” was one of the random things that popped up in my Instagram feed this week. The river image that snapped into my minds-eye was a group of people holding on to bright yellow rafts as they crash through white water rapids – not a summer camp-style tranquil canoe ride past a gentle tree-lined shore. And I guess a river can be both. But in this time right now, the image of the rapids sums up this particular time on our world’s crazy river ride the best.

Turbulence is a word that crosses over between the language of the river ride and our lives. I’m thankful for the long stretches of river and life that are so gentle that you feel like you might be standing still. You wonder if you’ll ever get there, if things will ever change, or if the trees and rocks and driftwood will ever take on a different look as you paddle past. And suddenly you realize that you’re being drawn into the thick of it – and there’s no dodging to the side or taking a break. You’re being carried by rushing water over and through the rocks, in a rush you can’t control to what you hope is the next tranquil stretch of river, and time.

It’s an analogy that repeats across lots of life for me – from the unpredictable wild ride of raising kids, to chasing a dream, sustaining a relationship, politics, the turbulence of spring weather, and even life itself. Watching an ailing loved one endure the years of paddling through an illness, then drawn into a sudden final decline. It seemed like she was sick forever. It seemed like she passed so suddenly. Both can be true.

Returned then, through the rushing turbulence, to the promise of the peace of God’s still, still waters.

Thank you God, for being with us through the turbulence, and your promise to lead us to safety and peace. Amen

Diana is a founding member of Peace Church and is thankful for the Peace Church community as she rides rushing rapids to the peaceful still waters of the river of life.