There are times when just being alone on the river in the peace and serenity of the evening can be mesmerizing.  I especially appreciate those times when there is a light rain and the fog rises gently off of the surface of the water.  Warm and cold come together to envelope me in the peace and quiet of nature’s simple wonders.  Serenity.

Times like this have been important to me as I have contemplated the failing health of my father and my mother’s efforts to love and care for him as he prepares to move through the veil.  It is a time to pray, to weep quietly and, through the tears, to observe God’s loving embrace through His creation.

I’m thankful for the hour or two that I get now and then to dress to stay warm and dry so that I can stand on the banks of the river and marvel at the wonder of God’s love and providence.   Lying behind it all is a quiet fantasy that maybe–just maybe–a fish will find my little nymph at the bottom of the stream and give me a few moments of intensity and joy.