River of Life

i'm taking a dip in the river of life
in the cleansing healing flow
washing over me now
immersed in your word
your living word,
the living waters flow,
the water of your word
making me whole.

washing over me now,
making me new.
a little bit deeper now,
i hear you say..

only ankle deep,
isn't really enough.
gotta go deeper,
just a trickle
will never quench my thirst.

up to my knees,
i am hardly wet,
my heart is pounding but
do i dare?
just a few more steps,
up to my waist..

i can touch the water with
my hands, my heart is racing
and i know i have to go,
just a little deeper now.

i take a breath
and dive right in...
i am swimming now in
the river of life.
your liquid love surrounds me
washing away my fears.

what i thought would be
the end of me,
has brought me into
your abundant life.

everywhere the river goes,
brings the dead to life.
there are waters to swim in,
coming from the throne of grace.

3-26-10 sheila r. martin