Dr. Withington’s River Rat Essay…

What actually makes you a River Rat?

A while ago, I ran into an old fellow who was reputed locally to be a "River Rat".

Having nothing better to do, I asked him, "I have known others, older than you, who apparently are not River Rats. Just what is it that distinguishes you from them? What actually makes you a "River Rat”?

He paused, scratched his chin, kicked a little sand, and said, "Maybe it’s because of the way I see things. "Without further prompting he began to explain.

I look at the River, and I see a teacher:

It shows me that "slow and steady" is a good pace for life. The River doesn't hurry, but it seems to get where “it's going".

It shows me how to treat everyone the same. River doesn't much seem to care who you are. Everybody that gets in. gets wet.

It shows me how to be humble. If I put my arm in the water, it makes room for me, but when I remove the arm, it's as if it was never there. If someone intrudes into your life and makes you unhappy, you should remember the event just like the River does. Once it is gone, it is like it never happened. The River goes right back to the way it was before; not a bad example for us to follow.

I look at the River and I see a provider:

It is my air conditioner in summer heat. In winter, it moderated the cold.

It can provide my food

Its plants and weeds give oxygen to the air I breathe. 

It can provide exercise and recreation for all of us at once.

It can be strong enough to carry the world's commerce on its back, and still be gentle the kiss of dew on a rosebud.

When agitated, it can be violent and destructive, but it does so without anger or emotion. Again, when the storm passes, it carries no bitterness, but goes back to just as it was before. 

Some people look for beauty around the world. I have seen enough to know that there isn't any area more scenic or more splendid than what the River shows us. I have seen the sun and moon reflected in the ripples as a day begins or ends. Other vistas may be as spectacular, but to my eye, nothing beats it...and it is right here for us lucky ones to enjoy.

 

Some may look for peace; sacred writings are a common place to look. The lucky ones find what they are looking for. Others simply find directions. "If you do the following things, you will find peace. The River is different. It doesn't tell you where to go or whom to ask. It simply provides the peace you seek. No questions asked. It is there for the taking, but you have to be willing to see it. Those who can -  are River Rats.

The River Rat, stopped and then carried on… 

I chuckle a the politically pushy feminists who pointedly refer to God as "She".  I guess I don't see God as either He or She. To do so implies the ability to reproduce. My God may be better described by the Native American concept of the Great Spirit - One that is solitary, supreme, and not bothered by the necessity to produce a bunch of little Great Spirits.

The River is the tangible expression of the fourth dimension, i.e.. time.

Like time,  the River is constantly moving and changing. Yet we see it as looking the same each day. In fact, like time it exists only in the moment. The drops of water that passed here today will be replaced by others tomorrow. Whether they will ever travel to the sea, evaporate, fall as rain, and become River again, is not for us to know. Just as we know not if the time that passed today will ever be revisited. Some religious philosophies see that as a possibility,

I don't see the River as my God, but the River is a means of communication, If I look at the River, I don't see God, but if I look carefully, I see what God wants to show me of Itself. It is not like a "Tom Tom" navigator for the path of life. It doesn’t say "Do this; don't do that". Rather it shows me the big picture. "This River is here to show you how you might pattern your life; learn from it and find happiness.

That's what the old River Rat said. I think he answered my question.......but I still have to think about it.

By Richard L. Withington, Round Island

Richard L. Withington, M.D. is a retired Orthopedic Surgeon and lives year-round at “Rivercroft” on Round Island.  TI Life subscribers always enjoy Dr. Withington’s articles.  He has a way of making his life on the island, no matter what season, exciting.  This is his tenth article, to see all you can search under the author’s life for Richard L. Withington.

Editor’s Note:  Be sure to leave a comment if you have a special definition for being a River Rat…