River of Time

 by Macy Johnson

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,

as clear as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

(Revelation 22:1 NIV)

 

I have always been interested in time travel and the concept of space and my place in it. Ann Tatlock’s book, “Once Beyond a Time” reveals a unique twist on time from God’s perspective.

 

One night after reading her book, I woke up with the idea that we all travel on a river of time. We are on a journey, apart and together. Like the earth revolving around the sun, time is a river, constantly moving, constantly changing. God never changes. He holds us in His hands as we travel through life.

 

The river of time is a gift. It helps us to measure our days and nights, to schedule activities and opportunities of service. Time nudges us forward into the unknown with our heavenly Father. If I try to rush through something, I push against the current and the struggle is unnecessary. If I give up and do nothing, time still carries me along. As I travel on this river, I notice the changes in landscape, in other people, in places around me.

 

Some of my favorite memories were made while canoeing and tubing down the Blackwater River in the Florida panhandle. Our church youth group would indulge in this outing as often as possible. Oh the joys of floating on that beautiful river, letting time carry away all worries!

 

Water is necessary for life on this earth. Flowing water is a flowing life. Stagnant water is a stagnant life. Time never stands still - it glides through us and carries us along.  

 

I will thank my heavenly Father for the river of time that transports me closer to eternity with Him. I hope you will, too!