Un-jamming the Creek

As born and raised Floridians, my family has delighted in experiencing spring in the Smoky Mountains for decades, even before we inherited the tiny, remote cabin built by my in-laws at 4200 feet elevation back in the early 1980s. There’s just something about the physical awakening of life in a previously frigid, barren landscape that stirs a spiritual awakening in your soul.

Several winding creeks traverse our two acres of treed mountainside (“cricks” if you hail from that thar neck of the woods!), both small but vibrant in the spring as the snow melts from on high (we’ve been known to have 60+ inches of snow on our mountain some winters).

Yep, those creeks do love to dance! And I love to watch them!

Unfortunately, the creek’s happy-dance celebration is sometimes stymied by the actions of its neighbors, the massive trees bookending both banks.  Twigs, leaves, and heavy pollen from the towering trees clog the little creek beds, in some cases completely blocking the little creeks from doing what they were intended to do – provide drainage for the excessive rain/snow accumulation so that the rest of the forest can prosper as it was meant to. So that wildlife can drink; fish can swim; frogs spawn tadpoles; dry land can stay dry in order to grow more vegetation and in some cases, crops to feed hungry mouths.

A creek seems like such a little thing, but it’s so important. If it can’t do its job, the whole forest suffers.

I couldn’t help but think this very thought as I got down on my hands and knees to scoop out of the bitingly cold water months-old leaves and debris that had accumulated over the winter in our sluggish creeks.

And I considered the Christian life and how much like these little creeks we humans are. Sometimes, as we strive to complete our assignments from our Creator, debris from our resistant neighbors piles up and eventually clogs our flow until we feel stifled. Ineffective. Useless.

Sound familiar? Consider cancel culture. Account removal. Accusations of political incorrectness. If you don’t agree with me, I will no longer be your friend.

It’s like the world doesn’t like our tiny God-focused stream – maybe even finds it a threat to the sinful behavior it boasts of – and does its best to pelt that stream with its gunk until we’re jammed shut.

Well, I have to tell you, this notion made me mad. I found myself shaking my head with resolution as my fingers dredged and sifted out handful after handful of gooey glop. Nope. No more. I refuse to allow my flow to be dammed so the Enemy of our souls can continue damning our fellow sojourners to an eternity of suffering. Papa God’s love needs to gully-wash all my neighbors with His mercy and grace until the message of His salvation runs crystal clear and resonates true.

So after an hour, as I stood back and surveyed the now clean and happily gushing little creek, dancing once again, I felt happier too. Happy that Papa God is in the comforting business, but even more happy that He’s also in the convicting business. And now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and do a little dredging in Debbie Creek.

How about you, dear BFF? Is there a jammed creek in your life that needs some clearing?

 

P.S. Only a few days left to enter my Magical Mother’s Day Drawing (the winners will be drawn on Mother’s Day, May 8). So easy to enter, and it’s FREE! Find the details right here on my website, DeboraCoty.com, by clicking “Freebies” and then the Giveaway. Hope you win!