Part One: Written by husband Nate

“No man ever steps into the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and he is not the same man.” —Heraclitus

Rivers have always represented a source of life.  Trees planted near the stream bear good fruit. The “fertile crescent” is situated between the mighty Tigris and Euphrates.  The Egyptians worshiped Hapi, the god of the flooding Nile, in celebration of the rich soil such flooding produced. The Nile River Valley is even shaped like a lotus flower, which in ancient Egypt was a symbol for creation and life.

Rivers always point towards something greater than themselves, as they search for a lake or ocean to contribute towards.  

Our third son, currently about twenty-two weeks into his in-utero life, will be called River.  We do not yet know the extent of the physical and mental challenges that River may be faced with, if any.  What we do know is that the journey of River’s life is not measured in a binary fashion of “healthy” or “unhealthy.”  River’s life will be filled with innumerable joys, challenges, mountains, valleys, seasons of drought and of overflowing, all pointing towards something greater than any of us can imagine, and all while being embraced by the loving arms of his family and by the God in whose image he is created.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the most high dwells” ( Psalm 46:4)

Part Two: Written by Autumn

John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  

[Lyrics of “Down to the River to Pray” by Alison Krauss, “There is a River” by Heritage Singers, “Come to the Water” by Chris Tomlin]

The Bible is filled with reference to “living water” that only Christ can provide. And there are hundreds of songs (both Christian and secular) with “river” as a theme—many of which follow a similar pattern of seeking life and renewal amidst the chaos and heartbreak. 

In “A River Runs Through It,” fly fishing is the controlling metaphor. “Fly fishing, for Maclean, is a way of ordering chaos, an attempt to momentarily return to Eden, despite the evidence of a fallen world beyond their rivers.”

Nate’s quote at the beginning that says no man steps into the same river twice because “it is not the same river and he is not the same man” is already applicable to our last month even, since we heard the news that our son is facing some serious obstacles; we already feel changed. Yes, this is the hardest struggle I’ve ever experienced personally but it’s also been the sweetest time for me in feeling the Lord’s closeness. Scripture and prayer have never meant so much to me, nor has it been so rewarding and life-giving. Our son River has truly changed me and has brought God into the forefront of my mind like never before, and I can honestly say I am not afraid of the challenges that lay ahead because I know God’s water does not run dry and I’ll never thirst again.