Lessons Learned from a River Rafting Trip

In Summer 2008 I went on a river rafting trip on the Colorado River. I sat on the left side, midway of the raft. So I had a paddle in my hands. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water. I was with a friend of a friend who wanted a companion for the day. This was set up by a friend out of town and it was very thoughtful of her to fix me up with him, although it never led to anything further.

As we sat in the raft, Jim (vaguely recalling his name) was the only one wearing a neoprene outfit. I wore shorts and a swimsuit. So I had to tolerate getting soaked with cool river water.

There were probably nine of us in the boat with the river guide at the stern who led us strategically through ebbs and flows of the river. Every once in a while, he would sneak us upon a treacherous spot where we had to use our paddles rigorously at his commanding and excited voice.

So I paddled rigorously through the rough waters to help us through to safety. I discovered that I felt less intimidated by the rapids whenever I aggressively wielded my paddle against the turbulent waters. I felt more in control of the conditions at hand.

So I pondered how true it is with spiritual things and what I have been taught that circumstances are subject to change but God's Word never changes, but is able to command our circumstances to align with His will and His glory. So, lesson learned, and still learning.

Spared from Car Accidents in Denver

1. On Hwy 6 as it turned into 6th Avenue, approaching Santa Fe Drive in Denver coming home from completing a graveyard shift: All to my surprise, I screamed "I am a tither!" as I was speedily approaching a car that I had no idea was stopped. I managed to stop just short of hitting the other car.

Now I will no longer work a third shift because it might land me or someone else in the graveyard.

2. Feeling somehow uneasy about driving on the highway to work I decided to have my tires inspected to discover a bulge on the inside before having it blow on Hwy 36 on where I commuted everyday to work.

Meanwhile, around the same time a minister and his family were in an accident caused by a similar thing and he died. A pastor who told this story said he wondered why such a tragedy should have happened. I later told him my story of how I was spared.

3. Avoided truck pulling out from driveway onto busy Colorado Boulevard right in front of me while I was driving with an atheist in the passenger seat. I got around in front of the truck and somehow it seemed as though an angel literally stopped the truck. I had the right of way and had no idea the driver didn't notice me since I was clearly in his view on his left. My passenger nearly had a heart attack. It should have made a believer out of him.

Lesson: It pays to listen to the Holy Spirit and to the inward promptings. Also, be grounded in prayer and in scripture about protection. Psalm 91 is a favorite.

I should not have assumed the truck driver saw me even though it seemed I was clearly noticeable. It might have been an appropriate time to use my horn.