Going Upstream

Going Upstream

“We are very reasonable creatures, but to feel the grace of God, one must forget about reason and go on a pilgrimage to a place where we no longer ‘see as through a glass darkly,’ to a place where we are able to see with eyes of gratitude, rather than with eyes of conquest.”

—George Grinnell in Death on the Barrens: A True Story of Courage and Tragedy in the Canadian Arctic (North Atlantic Books, 2010).

Mary Seni Barge on Mississippi near Natchez

I love to sit by the Mississippi River near Memphis watching barges move slowly upstream, especially on cold February windy mornings. The few dog walkers and runners along the shore move faster than the endless barges churning up white water as they move against the current as they go upstream. Some covered barges ride high on the water. They must be empty, but are still straining to travel upstream to be filled somewhere inland on the banks of this mighty river. Where is their destination? St. Louis?

I hope to keep remembering these upstream barges. I like leading my life more easily, moving downstream, going with the flow. Sometimes, however, I am called to go against the crowd, to work my way upstream. It will help if I envision it as a pilgrimage, traveling lightly with as much empty cargo as possible.. I must not take myself too seriously and not carry a lot of my own baggage. I must not set out on a right-or-wrong conquest. I know that the journey upstream moves slower than the one downstream., so I will have a great deal of time to listen, listen. I also need constantly to remember to speak my truth with gratitude, courage, and strength for the opportunity I have been given.

Rebecca Spooner is leading a morning retreat about the Enneagram at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Saturday February 29th from 9 to 1. The Cost is $15. Sign up on St. Mark’s website lovesaintmarks.org. Go to What’s on, then Events.

Joanna . joannaseibert.com