In the River of Delights

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. – Psalm 36:7-8 (NRSV) 

I don’t know where my neighbors go on Sunday mornings. But I can tell you that on a hot Sunday afternoon, I can always find them standing in the river. Just beyond the parking lot, down where the boat ramp meets the weeds, we wade in together: rich and poor, old and young, folks who live on opposite sides of the railroad tracks and rarely see each other anywhere else. We let the cool water run between our toes. We marvel at schools of minnows. We listen to the gentle, riffling music of the stream. 

As the river soothes our feet and the laughter of splashing children heals our hearts, we don’t often talk about the burdens we’ve left on the shore with our shoes or the worries that weigh on our hearts – for the ones we love, for the world we love. Somehow, it is enough that we are here, and that we are not alone, and that the river of delight runs free and full for us all. 

And just when we think it can’t get any better, Ignacio drives up in his ice cream truck and opens the walk-up window. At the sound of the truck’s familiar tune, the fishing folk lay down their rods, the kids waddle over in their water wings, and the grandmas reach into their bags for spare change. 

In that moment, I look around and remember who we really are: children of the God who invites us to take refuge in the shadow of cottonwoods as we feast on melting Drumsticks, all of us knee-deep in the river of delight.  

Prayer
Holy One, may we remember, in this and every season, to wade deeply into Your streams of sweet abundance. May their healing waters renew our passion for justice and joy.

About the Author
Rev. Yael Lachman is a UCC minister and artist who leads contemplative retreats, art adventures, and worship for all ages, most often in wild places. You can find Yael here.