life flowing by

A cabin along the Crow Wing River provided idle time to slow down. While watching the river slip by I connected with two analogous thoughts. 

one.

I am as patient as a river. Fortunately for me, my wife is as patient as a lake; which inspires me to slow down. 'As a river' is my style; always on the go, rarely sitting still. For that reason I value the moments - such as this one - when I am more like a lake... placidly contemplating life & my part in it

 

two. 

leaves. feathers, grass. bubbles, ripples, debris - all the 'stuff of autumn' was being carried downstream. As it passed by, I connected with parts of my life that have flowed by in my time. Memories of events, people, and attitudes that have shaped my course. Some riding on the surface afloat to the next adventure, while others deeply dragging on the rocky bottom.

Color, and perspective changes as they drift; mirroring my reflection on my own life's experiences as represented by the flowing river and its snapshots of visible belongings.  Light ripples, and sharp edges converge, then separating into soft hues, and calm flow; giving reason to celebrate both success, and resilience through failure.

Looking down at what the river carries - and in a real sense looking back at my experiences - I have been tattered & weathered, aged and at times unrecognizable, spinning in circles, and often adrift. Yet also, I have been crisp & colorful, radiant & buoyant, and ever learning to develop trusting in the one who leads me on to the next destination.