Even though a couple stories in the news in the past while are reminding us of the destructive power of water, most people are still drawn to water by some mysterious force, one which Herman Melville, spoken through the character of Ishmael, seemed to recognize:

Yes, as everyone knows, meditation and water are wedded for ever.

Who has not enjoyed a few hours spent sitting on a riverbank watching the rippling water drift by, or on the beach listening to the gentle lull of the waves, or on a dock by a small lake in the country? It has a powerful calming effect, a way of bringing peace, and an opportunity for allowing thoughts to run. I don't think it's coincidence that David placed these two clauses next to each other either:

He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.

I am convinced that both Melville and David knew exactly what they were talking about.

*Photo is "Contemplating about this place..." by maurice flower.

Labels: books, literature, Scripture