Over the past few years I have strived to explore a great majority of the White Clay Creek Preserve. The trails are vast and branch farther than I ever realized.  I am thankful for this space that is so close to where we live; not only for the amazing trails, beauty, and peace it provides, but the lessons it has taught me as I have explored the winding water in the creek. It never ceases to amaze me. Each visit there is something different and new. Take for instance a lesson I learned from these pictures.  

It always astounds me how the creek goes from calm and seemingly still to loud, rushing waters, and then back again…I mean, I know WHY this happens – the depth or direction changes, something blocks the path, etc…but still, isn’t that life?  As we go through it, we have moments of calm, peace, happiness; then suddenly a tree falls across our path and we find ourselves in chaos, noise and rushing. Fear envelopes us, and we can barely breathe.

Sometimes it is not the land that directs the water. Sometimes the rain pours. The water rushes consistently, overflowing to where it does not belong, changing and possibly destroying the scenery around it.  But soon that rain will end. The wind will still. The temperature warms.  Soon you will find the creek with more calm, peace, and joy. 

In life there are bends and dips.  And as we move through life, just as a creek, we may have water that flows out, and we may have streams that flow in. Just as we ourselves have some times of gaining and other times of letting go. As Ecclesiasites 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” 

Where is your creek taking you? What land does your water run through? What are you letting in?  What are you letting go?  And who’s holding the chainsaw when a tree gets blown down, wreaking havoc, and needs to be removed?

I know God is holding my chainsaw!

“Fear not, for I am with you; 

be not dismayed, for I am your God; 

I will strengthen you, I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 

I have had hurricanes destroy my scenery, unforeseen objects cause rushing waters, and tributaries dump unwanted water in my creek.  I have learned calm will come once again. I need to release the undesirable. I need to let in the good: friends and Bible studies to help strengthen my faith. And above all, I need to trust God to destroy fallen trees blocking my path towards Him.  

It’s not always easy and sometimes impossible to keep our lives on a straight, joyful path. With God, His Word, and fellowship, the hard times seem to not last as long, the creek continues to flow, and there is beauty all around!

“This God – His way is perfect; 

the Word of the Lord proves true; 

He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” 

Psalm 18:30 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

A former teacher, coach and personal trainer, Kristin Ryan now loves being a stay-at-home mom. As someone who has more recently found Christianity, she enjoys learning and growing in her faith and is excited to share her experience with others. Kristin and her husband, Casey, have three small children (one was born during the pandemic) and one big dog.