Drifting with the Coeur d’Alene River
“Two drifters, off to see the world; there’s such a lot of world to see…”
Drifting
What does drifting mean? Called to mind is a piece of flotsam on waves in the ocean or a lake, just laying on the water, going anywhere it’s carried. Is this drifting? Just floating through life?
The timeless melody of Moon River still plays in the back of my mind. For some, maybe times haven’t changed much since the days of drifting down the river. Two drifters like vagabonds who have no roots and wander from place to place without much purpose. Those lazy days of rambling belong to a time long gone.
I do admit to hearing the nostalgic call of the river at times. It promises, “If you come with me I’ll show you adventures you’ve never encountered.” I sometimes want to reach for those promises. I’ve never done much drifting in my life. It’s been a busy life; always running from here to there.
Seeing the World
Probably most of us have longed to see the world at some point in our lives. We go on vacation to see the sights we don’t see at home. We go to experience things we don’t get to do in our everyday lives. We go to see how “the other half” lives.
We do things that our “real” lives don’t allow—the days we live at home, at work, just the everyday “normal.” The world lures and we are eager for the knowledge and involvement that new things bring to us.
And so, we follow the river.
Seeing God
Instead of drifting and wandering, desiring to see the world—what if we fix our eyes on God? He has created a world of beauty that is stamped with His image everywhere.
What kind of adventures might He have for us? What greater plans might He have that are greater than the ones we have for ourselves? Do we have the courage to trade our plans for His plans? To stop the drifting in our lives for the purposes He has for us? How will He unfold the world to us when we follow His plan instead of our own?
Let us see the world with God’s eyes.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8.
Coeur d’Alene River
What a serene photo and equally shalom-hearted post! I personally haven’t traveled as much as I want. But I’ve had God-encounter after God-encounter when I was able to see things with His eyes. which made my world light up with magic and Jesus-wonder. I want to drift with the Ultimate Drifter: the Holy Spirit! Bring it!
This is so timely for me, Linda Jo. Only last night I was reading about the need for times of drifting, completely at rest, in God’s presence as one way to better hear His words to us. A side benefit being that we, as writers, are freshly positioned to bring to bear His creativity on our words in this world. And, as you say so well, “unfold the world to us” when we follow His plan…” I’m so grateful to have read this today! Thank you.
We certainly do need times of drifting and quietness. I’m glad you and Bill have had some opportunities lately for fun. That’s definitely the grace of drifting!