Old Man By The River

On my morning walk today, I passed by an older man, likely retired, sitting by the river where I usually walk. He had a fishing pole, but it was laying on the river bank. His posture suggested a more ponderous state of being. I wondered what he was thinking. Was he troubled? Was he sad? Lonely? Was he contemplating his life ... his future? Was he there to spend time alone Father God?

As I rounded the bend for a second pass, my thoughts of wondering what his purpose there was shifted to a broader wonder. Why was he the only person there? This is a public park, and it's a very accessible river with much inviting space. I began to wonder why we rarely take the opportunity to commune with God that way. We're so busy. And mostly we tell God what we want, and ask Him to fix things, and to provide. I'm guilty. But I think what I'm learning more is that He wants to get alone with me, talk to me, and have me listen. When I do that it's beautiful, and rich, and powerful.

Maybe the old man by the river was having a wonderful time with his Papa. A time of fellowship, and devotion, and gleaning the Fathers heart for His son. That's what I choose to believe, because that's where I want to be.

When's the last time you sat by a river, or walked in a park, or went for a hike, or a bike ride, or sat alone in your back yard, just listening to what your Father in Heaven has to say?

What is keeping your from sharing that time with Him?