Some people love the beach, some love the mountains, and some love the glaciers of Canada. We just have a certain place that brings us enjoyment and peace. For me, it has always been the river.
I’ve always had the best times in the river. I remember things like white water rafting in Colorado, kayaking in Oregon, canoeing in Tennessee, and floating on an air mattress in Big Sir, California to reach the Pacific Ocean. Those moments have always been moments that I want to re-live over and over in my life. There is just something about the river that does it for me.
Well, Yesterday I had a new experience with the river where I ran on the trail that follows it through the city of Murfreesboro, Tn. About five minutes into my run I became over filled with joy. I just began laughing and celebrating. I didn’t know if it was because it was so beautiful, or because it was so calm, or if I had just finally got in shape enough to be able to run for more than 5 minutes.
This run was one of the best times I’ve had since I’ve moved to TN, and it calls me back. I think I may have even had a dream last night about running there again. Today was my day off of running, and I’m feeling the excitement of running there again. Maybe tomorrow, if there is an opportunity?
So what’s the cool tie in with me loving the river. Well, it’s kinda extra special to me for two reasons. The first reason is that my last name “Starbuck” actually means “by the water.” In even greater detail, it means by the brook. A brook is smaller than a river, but it’s the same idea. There were certain times yesterday when the river seemed more like a brook than a river, but I also know it’s the end of summer, so there is less water flowing.
The other reason why it is special to me is because I’ve always had a draw to Psalm 1. I never knew why I loved the Psalm so much, but it always seemed like it was the echo of my heart. I could always imagine being the guy who is planted by the streams of water and seeing the fruit come out over time. The Psalm tells us to not be in certain places, and not be with certain people, but to stay rooted next to the river, and then we will be successful in what ever comes along.
This Psalm and our last name actually played a huge part in why we gave Seth his middle name “David.” David wrote Psalm 1 and one of the first things we find standing out from the very beginning is to be planted by the water.
Now, we live by the river here in Tennessee. Though I’ve lived by the ocean and I’ve lived by the lake, I am just so happy to be able to live by the river. This particular river has a lot of history, and has a lot of more story coming. I am hoping that more than anything, God will help me to not only live by the river here in TN, but to also live by the river of God that brings me through the seasons of His Kingdom coming on earth.
As I continue to run by the river, I will constantly remember the images God has spoken to us. “Come to me if you are thirsty,” “I am the living water,” “Be still and know that I am God,” & “He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, and in it’s season, he will produce fruit. Whatever he does, he will prosper.” God thank you for the River, and that you supply our needs as you run through the depths of our hearts and minds and deliver us your fresh living water!
– Seth, I will do all I can to help you stay by the river of God. This is where we belong, and there is no better place to be. Even when the storms of life come, we will build our house upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ. I love you buddy, and as long as God wills it… we will be planted “by the river.”
Shawn Starbuck 