I grew up in a small town rural area that was peppered by dairy farms, hay fields, dirt roads, and of course, provided countless memories. One of my favorite memories centers on a stand of pine trees located about a quarter mile from my house. I had to walk through a field to get to the pines that were on a hill that seemed much bigger and far steeper than it would appear to be today. I cannot remember thinking so back then but today I am pretty sure those trees were planted by a careful hand. Several inches of fallen needles carpeted the ground while the living canopy deadened all but the closest sounds of nature. A chirping bird, air moving through the living needles and branches above, buzzing bees, and other pleasantries. One of the "other pleasantries" was the sound of water flowing over rocks in a nearby creek. I would lay on the carpet of fallen needles for hours just listening.
I knew were the creek started (sort of) because I had followed it to its source a couple miles to my west where beavers had built a dam and water seeped from all points of the surrounding landscape. I knew where it ended (sort of) because I had fished its mouth and submerged delta for perch and blue gill many times back in the days when the hazards of taking fish to clean and fry in a small pan (hence: pan fish) had not yet been conceived. I also knew the wind in the pines, and of course, the peace I could find, in my sanctuary on the side of a hill.
So, what does this little blurb have to do with the title of this post: Endless Rivers? It is about endless rivers of inspiration provided by a Universe designed to serve that purpose. It is about the endlessness of everything regardless that its endlessness can be perceived with a beginning and end, such as the babbling creek of my childhood, by the immature mind of a child in search of sanctuary. It is about an ever-expanding appreciation, if one allows that to happen, of infinite awareness for all that is. It is about us, you and me, who have been given endless opportunity, to grow and prosper in a world seemingly wrought by endless catastrophe, but in reality, is guided in its essence, by endless love.
Endless Rivers
Drifting on endless rivers of forgiveness and recovery
Outstretched on rafts bonded by grace
Surrounded with glittering presents of the Universe
Dwelling in serenity-filled space
Holding onto inner peace with visions of prosperity
Traveling on journeys beyond phases of many moons
Bringing pleasant dreams into reality
No longer dying in dark smoke-filled rooms
Drifting on endless rivers of discovery
Among singing birds above and smiling fishes underneath
Within the healing waters of God’s word in verse
Celebrating renewed life through awakening and rebirth
Embracing what all pasts have brought to each
Filled with holy gifts most times unseen
Bringing all to know
Bringing all to see
That revealed by endless rivers of awakening and summary
Drifting on endless rivers of mystery
Some with hidden dangers and treacheries
Beneath swirling rapids or calm eddies
Testing courage and faith; challenging old beliefs
One is filled with hope, one with relief
One with faded dreams, one with failed feats
One with visions of grandeur, one with dignity
Endless rivers of forgiveness and discovery
©Douglass Jungquist 2004
I hope you enjoy these thoughts and experiences translated to word. Best.
