Ripple Effects on The Big Piney River

It was a fine September morning for a walk alongside the river. All the kids are back at school, and our camping season is just winding down at Cedar Mere Riverside. Only one truck came down the road the whole time, and that was a neighbor.

Naturally, the neighbor stopped, and turned off his vehicle to talk. I say naturally, because that's how it naturally is down here. Whether you are on foot or in a car, the locals will put

their life on pause to visit for 20-30 minutes just to shoot the breeze.

My husband spent a lot of summers in the country with his Grandparents. He somehow appreciated that slow roll in life, and always enjoyed visiting with people. For me, I always had myself on some kind of schedule, some kind of imaginary clock, always in a hurry to get on to the next project.

Looking back, I know that is another reason God brought me here---to slow me down. Now the neighbors and friends come up to the deck and we sit and watch the river run. The conversation is as simple as "Are those ripples down there a fish or a turtle?"

Look at this picture of my friend Katherine. See how she realizes the value of the ripple effect in her life. She gets it. Let's put down phones and our hurry and visit.

On a final note here, I want to acknowledge the passing of a great American Patriot, Charlie Kirk. He was the inspiration for me for this article in that he knew the power in just visiting with people. His good example encourages me on my deck as I engage in meaningful conversation with old and new friends, unafraid that although speaking out in America can be awkward, even dangerous, it is certainly worthwhile.

Thank you for your legacy Charlie Kirk and the ripple effect that you have left for all of us. You reminded us that we can sit down and visit with our differing opinions about life, politics or religion, all in good cheer and come out the better for it. We are thinking about you, talking about you, and remembering you, even way down here on The Big Piney River.