Sometimes, an umbrella hat is exactly what you need. Having made it halfway home from NY and settled in my favorite Richmond hotel with my sister, we had planned to wander the lovely historic city before continuing home on the last day of our exciting adventure. However, we awoke to rain. I went on a run while Amy slept off a slightly sore back. I ran along the James River, and passed the kayak launch site which I have run past many times over the years visiting my son in Richmond, and wished I had my kayak. Then I remembered -- I
did have my kayak! It was waiting in the car from our Chincoteague wild pony expedition! I raced back to the now awake Amy and told her: the
bad news was it was raining, but the
good news was, I had umbrella hats for both of us. Also, the warning sign for boaters said the James River was low, thus the current manageable with no boating restrictions. Consequently, we could
probably kayak across without being swept over the dangerous rapids.
I could not convince Amy since her back was still not in great shape, but she urged me to go fulfill this final dream, while she sipped coffee and did back exercises in the hotel. I hurriedly drove to a parking lot near the launch site, clamped my kayak on it's little cart, put on my umbrella hat, and wheeled off to the James River.
It was stunningly beautiful, and the umbrella hat kept me dry. I was glad Amy hadn't come because the current was a little strong, and a little swirly for a new kayaker. I easily scooted across the river and explored the shore of a small island, but I would have been worried about Amy being swept over the small waterfall just downstream and the dangerous set of rapids. I took many photographs of Richmond, from mid-river, and enjoyed figuring out how to navigate the shallow areas without bottoming out on barely submerged rocks.
When I returned, I talked Amy into a stroll through Richmond, with both of us wearing our umbrella hats. It is interesting to note that most people do not want to look at anyone who is unusual. They would pass us by and glance, then avert their gaze, as though we were crazy people...
We were meeting my beloved son Matt for lunch, and I texted to ask if it would mortify him if we met him while wearing our umbrella hats. He told me no. Reason Number 3,657,899 why I love my son. He ended up spotting us on the street before we converged at the restaurant. "How did you know it was us?" I asked.
Lunch was wonderful, and the rain had stopped by the time we finished. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and we said goodbye to Matt and Richmond, and drove home to Charlotte. We listened to the sequel to "Misty of Chincoteague", courtesy of Amy's thoughtful downloading of the two Misty audio-books. The book ended as we pulled into my driveway and the dream trip of a lifetime was complete.
A pile of to-dos awaited me, and the wrenching realization that tomorrow I would have to deal with it all. Life is like the tide, with its ebbs and flows. I had sorely needed the change of scenery and perspective, and the fulfillment of so many dreams. I will keep those memories in mind when tackling the unpleasant and mundane routines of life.
God reminds us to store up His word in our hearts, because there will be times when we will have no strength, and will be sustained only by His.
I closed my eyes last night and had visions of ponies, and loved ones, and the silvery James River swirling while the mist rose to greet the rain, and stored them in my heart as well.
*************
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you
shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous, and then you will have good success.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and
in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they
shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor
stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 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
water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
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