Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: River (08/31/06)
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TITLE: The River of Life (i) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lauri Gruen
09/06/06 -
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“No, I can’t, the water is freezing and the rocks are too slimy,” Amanda replied.
Looking towards the shoreline of the great river, 14 year-old Danielle sighed. Should she turn back and encourage her friend to join her or should she move forward in the refreshing waters? The river seemed to speak to her, inviting her to go further. She recalled her initial contact with the cold water, placing her foot tentatively on the slippery rocks, unsure to keep going or to remain standing complacently among the many ankle-deep waders. The throbbing in her bruised knee reminded her of the earlier fall on the rocks leading down to the riverbed. But she had been anticipating this adventure to The River for some time now. And here she was, ready to dive in.
As she considered her choices – loyalty to her friend or listening to her heart, she noticed that Amanda had met another friend and was motioning to Danielle to continue without her.
Standing at an equal distance between the shoreline waders and another group of swimmers ahead, she looked up and felt the warmth of the sun pouring down upon her from the bluest sky she had ever seen. Not only had the waters themselves urged her to go on, but she now was aware of this group of joyful swimmers ahead who seemed to also beckon Danielle to join them. As she swam closer, the water grew warmer and the riverbed floor felt like velvet pebbles under her feet. Schools of brightly colored fish swarmed around her, softly kissing her legs and nudging her along. She reached down to try to touch them. As her hand brushed against her leg, she noticed that there was no trace of the nasty scrape on her knee.
Suddenly, the calmness of the waters exploded with electricity as Danielle drew closer to the swimmers. At first she thought she was in a church Worship service. True, there were no instruments, no worship leader, no overhead words to follow, yet the most melodious chorus was emerging from the waters. The worshippers’ hands were lifted, as well as their entire bodies bobbing up and down in joyful worship. Their faces were radiant; glowing with the awareness they had discovered an inexpressible source of life in these waters. These waters flowed with life, energy, and exuberance.
Danielle quickly joined the chorus of her new river companions and the angelic hosts hovering above the waters. Her inhibitions of how she appeared to others vanished as she focused her attention solely on her Savior, who Himself had brought her here. Her transition from quiet observer to exuberant participant took her by surprise as she felt her heart bursting with unspeakable joy. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38 NKJV). Well, yes, she had believed in Jesus for as long as she could remember, always heard about what He did for her on the Cross and regularly attended church services and youth group. Had everything changed merely because she now found herself in this river of life? Would her heart feel the same once she emerged and returned to her everyday life?
For the first time since entering the river, Danielle noticed the banks alongside the river. Beyond the tall, majestic trees at the river edge groups of people gazed at the cheerful swimmers. What an incredible medley of humankind stood watching! All shapes, sizes, colors, individuals and families, young and old, the rich and poor alike. But they all shared one very common feature. In contrast to the swimmers’ energetic radiance, there was a dull sadness in their eyes, arising from the emptiness of their hearts. Envious of the scene before them in the river, they appeared desirous to join, but did not have a clue how to enter and quite unsure if they would even be welcome.
Without hesitation, Danielle swam towards the riverbank, drawn towards the aching hearts. She knew this river of living water she herself had just discovered was an incredible gift that needed to be shared and not selfishly withheld.
The words of her favorite aunt seemed to ring in her spirit, ‘Danielle, always know your God and you will do great exploits.” Danielle was ready to dive in.
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