If you stop and think about it, on any given day, each individual experiences a range of emotions. Sadness can change to happiness in an instant. Peace can change to fear in an instant. Nervousness can change to calmness in an instant. Emotions are ever-flowing and it is high time that we let them do just that- flow.
When you think of a river, you think of a body of water that is always flowing. Emotions are like that. There's a Garth Brooks song called "The River" and it talks about dreaming and how a dream is like a river. Here's the song:
"The River"
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry
So, what is this river that the song mentions? Emotions and dreams make up that river and they go hand in hand. Emotions are the current that drives the vessel or the dreams. We can let our emotions drag us downstream or we can use them as a valuable asset. Wait! I sound like I'm contradicting myself, but I'm not. You see, the negative current or the negative emotions we experience in life are there for a reason or perhaps reasons. Maybe those emotions of sadness and hurt will allow you to feel the pain of others sometimes and help them through that pain. Perhaps the emotion of defeat will help you to encourage someone else to be a fighter and not give in.
On the other hand, positive emotions can do the very same thing. Our emotions are there in our lives to make us act, to make us think and to make us reflect. When we use our emotions to do those three things, we have learned to sail our vessel, to sail to our dreams. Are you sailing today? Or are you letting the rough waters drive your ship aground?
This river of life will not run dry as long as you let your emotions flow. Emotions are not a bad thing and, when seen correctly, can be so pivotal in helping your own self and others.
Sail your vessel! Let the emotions flow! And don't let the river run dry!
That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!
