The Stone in the Middle of the River

by Pam McCormick

Picture a rushing river. In the middle of the river, there lies a stone. The water flows around it; it flows over it, as the tiny white caps burst from the river to lie on the stone as if to rest. The water going around the stone takes no notice; it continues flowing aimlessly, like people who are busy with their own lives and can’t take time to notice.

The stone in the center is still because stillness is natural to it. It has no life, no purpose, but to be. The water is restless and has no time to wait.

The stone is lucky. Beauty surrounds it. Trees are reaching out, almost touching the stone. The trees’ branches lean over the river as if to give the stone a warm welcome, an acknowledgment that it is seen.

The stone is not missing life. It is observing life by being still. The ripples of water that dabbled over the rock are dried up on the stone’s face, and the stone shines in the sunlight, where dryness had once been.

The stone is just a stone. What does it matter? It may not matter to others, but I noticed it, and it was beautiful. It made me long inside for a stillness to come to me, so I could stop and appreciate the beauty of life around me.

Why did this stone hold my attention? It held the answer to my quest for wisdom, knowledge, and peace. It was still, and it made me smile. It brought my heart rest from the everydayness of having to do, do, do. And so, I enjoyed the presence of a rock that wasn’t going anywhere but spoke so much.

What else have my eyes been missing? I can’t wait to find out.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15