Water Under the Bridge

How many millions of gallons have streamed by under foot from the day conscience was awakened within?

Though those quantities of precipitation have mostly rolled into the sea, through the Creator’s masterful design, they have been drawn by the golden sun aloft into the atmosphere, recollected into clouds, listlessly drifted over the mountain peaks and fallen once again to earth’s soil. Eventually, many have gathered together yet again to form rivulets, gullies, streams and rivers which once more pass under life’s bridge on which I stand.

There were times of flood and others of sluggish flow, yet the waters continued unabated from the hills, past my position and to the sea. How constant! How dependable! How unappreciated!

This I know, as the collected precipitation passed under my bridge, at times it offered much needed reflection. Peering into the mesmerizing depths, I saw myself as I was, imperfect, and yet complex. Homely in a beautiful way. Or conversely, lovely in a plain way. None-the-less, broken and in need of heavenly grace. The water’s mirror was honest, sometimes hurtful, but always helpful.

At other times, cleansing was provided to remove soils from hands, feet and face. Grime and grunge were washed away by the cleansing flow of its pure supply.

Additionally, the waters I will never recognize in their exact formation again, gave refreshment to a parched throat or a heat-stricken body. Water is unparalleled in its ability to quench and quiet the dry and thirsty.

There were the times when the constant flow provided glee as my play mates and I splashed about in their delightful waves. Momentarily forgetting life’s misery as we squealed with joy.

Water under the bridge. Years of experiences, mostly forgotten, many treasured, some loathed, others loved, allegorized by a passing stream. Someday, I will walk away from the bridge under which the millions of gallons have made their way in the endless cycle.

May you experience sweet waters of refreshment, rushing rivers of remembrance and ever-flowing streams of blessings.

Note: To what do my musings relate? Childhood memories, school chums, crushes. Victories and defeats, gains and losses, loves lost and greater loves gained. Births and deaths, joys and griefs, spiritual encounters, near misses, total triumphs. Promotions, graduations, marriages, children. Benchmarks, engagements, dear friends. Vacations, retirements, companions and acquaintances. Labor and recreation, poverty and plenty.  

To read more about it, see the book of Ecclesiastes