I would love to live like a river flows
Carried by the surprise
Of its’ own unfolding.
John O’Donohue
I love metaphors, and the quote above speaks to me. As much as I have worked to create the life I want there is still the surprise of how life unfolds, of the opportunities that present themselves to me, as I flow down this river of my life. The doors that open, and the ones that close. The wonderful people I have met. The teachers (metaphoric) I have encountered (not always wonderful, but necessary for my own growth). I have been astounded by the love and generosity of people throughout my life both in times of hardship and of success.
The river of life of my life has been periodically exciting, slow, tumultuous, and challenging as it has unfolded before me. There were times sitting on the shore made sense, and other times when paddling down the raging rapids felt like exactly the right thing to do. I would like to tell you that I have always made the best choice but all I know is that I have chosen, as the river of my life has unfolded, and there have been discoveries, lessons, wonders, and surprises along the way, never a dull and boring ride!
I have had moments when I wondered if climbing out of the river would be a good idea. Setting up camp, and just watching the river go by, and never wondering what is around the next bend. Yet I continue to choose to ride the river of life, to be surprised by its’ unfolding.
Are you sitting on the side of the river? Floating along at the river’s pace? Are you staying afloat through the rapids? Paddling against the current? Racing to get to the end? Whatever you are choosing, become aware of the surprises as the river unfolds. Be present to the gifts, the river brings you, enriching the moments of your life as it flows out before you.