The once-in-a-hundred-year flood that swept through southern Alber
ta drenched a lot of dreams. These catastrophic effects of nature are unfathomable in their impact. A city, the province, our country is numbed. Treasured items became trash in a matter of moments. What one day adorned the walls and filled the draws of chests, now lines the landfills of Calgary and area. But for the grace of God go us. Our hearts and hands go out to the residents of Southern Alberta.
On Sunday at North Pointe I shared an image of a flood-soaked community that invited people to “live their dream.” What happens when your dream becomes a nightmare?
Mark Berry was inspired to send me his comments. “The picture touched me too and spoke to me. It brought me back to the Garth Brooks Song ‘The River’.
“You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin’ as it flows
And a dreamer’s just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what’s behind you
And never knowing what’s in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores
And I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs .”
“The rivers of life and the storms of life can change and sometimes destroy our hopes and dreams and the plan we have for our lives. However, The Lord always has other plans for us. Plans to prosper us and give us hope.”
Mark’s family knows that truth very well. He and his wife have seen the Lord’s touch on their lives when dreams were dashed and hope left town. God prospered them and restored a future to them. From a broken dream can emerge a better dream.
For info or to assist with immediate help for Southern Alberta go to Emergency Relief and Development.
