I've been thinking of The River lately. Where it comes from - where it goes - and why. We have used The River - I have - as a healing spring.

Like a bandage, I have applied it to the wounds of heart and soul. To escape the afflictions of society. To escape boredom, pain, or responsibility. Used it as a panacea for my grief. Or as a liquid amphetamine for a tired or exhausted psyche.

I have used it to get my act together - or for putting on an act. To become humble or attempt bravery. To find the truth. To encounter lies.

Upon this River I have searched for love - flirted with death. Looked for hope - drowned in despair. Used it to meet new people - to forget, to experience joy, to suffer pain. To find out what I am doing - or getting lost in what I have done.

Living in the present - talking of the future - dreaming of the past. To clear my head - to cloud it.

To get closer to God - or hide from him.

I've been thinking of The River lately. Where it comes from - where it goes - and why. And why it is. And I've been feeling somewhat guilty about using it. Taking - and giving nothing in return.

Somehow, bumper stickers aren't enough. There is more, if we choose to use it.