A River Runs Through It

Dense black smoke filled the sky, billowing smoke, rolling and churning. The fire raged along both sides of the quiet Santa Cruz River. Old foliage, trimmed from tall, healthy trees, had been left to decompose along the river, and after many trimmings, a perfect fuel supply was waiting for the spark that started it all. It was painful to watch from a distance as fire fighters tried to contain the blaze in almost-100 degree weather. As soon as it seemed to calm, the fire would jump to another fuel source and off it would go.

Now, two days later, all that remains is scorched and scarred earth, the stronger and healthier trees, and the little river that continues to flow. A number of observations can be made about this potentially destructive blaze. Nature has a way of renewing and restoring life when something like this happens. The soil is now enriched with nutrients, there is room for new growth. It won’t be long before green shoots break through the black, hard surface. But the most encouraging thing about this rather sad sight is the river. The river. It flows through the center of the woundedness and everywhere it touches, it encourages new life.

I walked the shoreline path this morning, mourning the loss of the lovely green colors that were present two days ago, but also deeply aware of healing already happening. When I stopped in the silence, just as the sun was rising over the mountains, I could hear the river singing still. It bubbled and bounced over rocks, tickled the wounded shoreline and promised renewal. Two ducks stood on the path looking down over the river, a bright yellow bird skipped from one barren limb to another, a single dove fluttered above my head. It was as if they were all out looking for new trees to call home. And they will find them; the river will see to that. It is life-giving and life-sustaining.

“A river flows out of Eden to water the garden of creation.” Straight from the heart of God. Spend a few minutes today with Psalm 46. There you will find water for your spirit, refreshment for your soul. “God is our strength and our refuge, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. God is in the midst of the city; it will not be moved…come behold the works of the Lord. Be still and know that I am God.”

In the stillness of this morning, after billowing black smoke blotted the sky, the air is clear, the sun shines brightly, birds chirp and dance from limb to limb, and the river continues to sing. It is a song of hope that we all need.