Cane River...but the best is yet to come!

     "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners...but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of living water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." (Ps.1:1-3)
     I've always loved the imagery of this beautiful psalm--don't we all want to be like that "tree planted by streams of living water?"  Yes, Lord, might it be so for our family and friends that we would be like those trees standing strong in Your Living Water.
     But when I read these words of God, He reminds me of Cane River.  Those ever-flowing streams of living, vibrant, sparkling water...surrounded by lush, green trees...sunlight flowing through the canopy overhead and dancing on the water.  And the sound of those rushing waters? I'm sitting outside on the porch right now listening to their achingly beautiful melody.  Ah, like a divine, ceaseless symphony of peace and praise to the Maker of the heavens and the earth.
     Cane River--just the tiniest taste of heaven.  Surrounded by God's wild, majestic creation--

And enveloped by the love of family--

 (on the truck getting ready to head out fishing)

 (all gathered on the porch of the old log cabin)

 (discussing the day and plotting strategy for the next outing on the stream)

 (a few good men just back from "slaying them"--though we throw back all the fish!  Believe me, the magnificent Rainbow, Brook and Brown trout are safe when the Preyer/Oglesby/Fountain crew arrives!)

 (more than a few good men enjoying being together)

 (Peter intent on catching a big one)

(Mary Norris at Upper Blue Sea Falls.  This doesn't begin to do the falls justice--it's huge and generates a powerful wind from the streaming, powerfully flowing waters.  Truly does make you want to raise your hands in praise to our glorious Creator and Sustainer!  Only our God!)
      Father, thank You for the priceless gift of this world.  If this beauty all around us is only the pale and poor imitation of the "real" and perfect heaven and earth that will one day be revealed, can you even begin to imagine what God has in store for us?!  "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" (I Cor.2:9)
     Might we remember, when we're struggling through one of those hard, dark days that life inevitably hands all of us, that the best truly is yet to come.  It's not a cliche...it's rock-solid, wondrous Truth.  Our Awesome God who can craft the waterfall, the singing stream, the swaying trees, and the priceless and irreplaceable people in our lives is now, even at this very moment, lovingly and creatively preparing the perfect place for His beloved children.
       So thank You, Lord, for the gifts of Your creation.  Thank You for eyes to see them, ears to hear them, lips to sing of Your praise, and hands to raise in joy.  And most of all, thank You for the privilege of loving You and those You have placed in our lives for our short time on earth.  Help us to love You--and them--well.  We fail so often--but Your grace abounds and Your mercies are new every morning.  Oh thank You, Father, for forgiveness and fresh starts.
     And thank You for the joyous promise of heaven.  We can't imagine...but we rejoice in the certain hope of the wonders just ahead...
     To God be the glory.