Down by the Riverside

John 7:37-38
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

It is the last full day of our honeymoon in the Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina. The April sun is shining, the sky is a brilliant blue, and the temperature is balmy.

Danny and I decide to pack a lunch and head back to a park we passed several times on our many adventures. It rests along the edge of the Nantahala River.

Surely, we think, there will be a spot along the banks just perfect for a picnic.

When we arrive at our destination and disembark from the car, the first thing I hear is the voice of the river. Distant, yet constant. Ever moving. Ever flowing.

Calling . . .

We gather up our paraphernalia and assess the direction we should go.

"This way," says Danny, pointing across a meticulously mowed field sporting its gleaming spring green. "The walk will be easy enough while we look for a break in the bushes to get down to the river."

The promise of an effortless walk is welcome as we are toting not only picnic supplies, including a well-worn quilt to sit on, but also Danny's guitar and songbook. We plan to make an afternoon of it!

That is, if we find the right place . . .

After about a minute, Danny spies a potential break in the bracken which lines the river's edge.

"Look here!" He exclaims. "It's a bit overgrown, but this is definitely a path. I think it leads right to that rock overlooking the river."

And, so it does!

We slip and slide a bit on slick leaves, dodge a few briars, but make it unscathed to the coveted rock.

Where the voice of the Nantahala is large and clear and strong.

We stand motionless for several minutes, listening to the sonorous song of rushing waters. Watching the dazzling sunlight play and dance upon the coursing rapids. Drinking in the splendor and beauty of our surroundings.

The river is alive. An endless flow. A perpetual rhythm. An eternal spring.

The Living Water . . .

Alive in our hearts.

Flowing with endless love.

Perpetual forgiveness.

Eternal peace . . .

Will you quench your thirst with the Living Water today?

Let us pray:
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus the Christ, the Living Water, who soothes our thirsty souls. Let us drink deeply of His love, His truth, His Word, His grace. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 117, 118 or 112, 113
Exodus 17:1-7
Colossians 1:15-23
John 7:37-52