Isaac Newton was right. Movement is the consequence of outside forces - a push or a pull. So, bowling balls move by being pushed. Apples fall by gravity’s grip, pulled to the ground. Without this push or pull, everything and everyone would be stationary. We need a push or a pull to overcome inertia. Mr. Newton noted this as a physical law, but it is a dynamic for us emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well.

Jesus never sugar coated anything - not for anyone at any time. John 15-16 is proof. The disciples were overloaded by hard news. One of the twelve is a traitor. Jesus would die and leave them. Just when their hearts are stunned with grief and confusion, Jesus adds this news. It is going to get worse! You will be hated by the world and chased unto death. (15:18,16:2) You will weep with sobs of sorrow. (16:20) In this world you can expect trouble and never be disappointed! (16:33) So, as I said, Jesus did not pamper His language with bubble wrap. He spoke iron words, sharp and penetrating - but true.

Find the lesson in this story. An old man and his grandson headed on a trip with their donkey. They casually paced themselves over the hills with grandpa leading the animal and the lad following behind. As they entered the first village they heard several say, “How silly to walk. You ought to ride the donkey.” Well, the old man didn’t want to look like a fool so he jumped up on the beast and the boy continued along side. 

The Fraser River is birthed in the Rocky Mountains by a spring near Mt. Robson. It wanders through rock and forest, pulled by gravity for 1,375 km until it empties in the Pacific. It invites various creeks and tributaries until it reaches a flow of 3,500 cubic meters a second. It gathers sediment like baggage - a full 20 million tonnes. In other words, this river is unstoppable - until it reaches the sea and then becomes something different. The river is welcomed into vast sparkling waters, far greater than could be imagined by the trickle it once was. So, it becomes a metaphor for your life and mine.