Over the next few weeks allow me to take you on a tour of Quesnel and share with you what I see each day and where I see God in it.
I love to stroll along the River Front Trail, whether I am sweating in the heat of summer, marvelling at the autumn colours or dodging icy patches in the cool of winter. This past fall I even walked along Baker Creek and took in the salmon run.
We truly live in a beautiful location, and are privileged to have such a vast and beautiful river valley system with the intersection of the Fraser River, Quesnel River, and all its many tributaries.
You might say we are “where the rivers meet.” If you think about it, the rivers really define the lifestyle in this city.
While we are never far from water, for me it is a constant reminder that Jesus is the living water and those who drink of Him will thirst no more.
Revelation 22:1-5 tells of another river – a heavenly river:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
They will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
A favourite hymn at the Salvation Army and the nursing homes where we often meet to sing hymns is Shall We Gather At The River.
While we often gather at the banks of the rivers in town, may we all live today with eternity in our hearts as we all hope to meet one day at that river in heaven that flows by the throne of God!
Let’s Pray: God, we are so thankful for the way your creation reminds us of truths that are found in your Word. Thank you for the promise of heaven.
May it be our heart’s desire to meet with you and all of the believers at the banks of the river of the water of life when we are one day called home. Amen.
Laura Van Schaick is a lieutenant with the Salvation Army Quesnel Corps.