Come to the River

"And he showed me a pure River of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1


Today we visited the Farmington River as part of our ecology unit. In our daily life, we often forget the beauty of the everyday. Standing there on the bank was enlightening. The silver spay caress the rocks, the perfect crystal mirror and my heart quivering with the melody of peace. Perhaps the purpose of the life lies in the moments of every day. Heaven can be found on earth, in those perfect moments.
However, with every bit of beauty there lies an ugly underside. Here are the facts.

• 40% of America's rivers are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life.
• 46% of America's lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life.
• 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are discharged into US waters annually.
• Each year, plastic waste in water and coastal areas kills up to 100,000 marine mammals, 1 million sea birds, and countless fish.
• One billion people across the globe still lack safe drinking water

Why do we allow this? Why do we not stop it? This is our problem, because this is our now and this is our future. Don't convince yourself this doesn't matter. Look around. It might not matter today, or even tomorrow, but I know in the future, that I want to be able to take my daughter outside, to show to her the clear blue sky, to let her swim in the ocean, to let her play in the trees. I want her to know the African elephant, the blue whale, the gorilla, even the panda, and not because they've become extinct, but because she will have been able to see them. I want the same for my grandchildren, and for many generations to come.
Success is knowing that at least one life has breathed easier because you lived. So I encourage you, succeed! Baby steps are all we need. Save energy, use www.blackle.com instead of google. Check labels on hairspray and similar products. Conserve water. Try walking or biking. Try eating one meatless meal a week. Borrow, don't buy. And please, recycle. Then, will you succeed? That and much more. You'll help not only one of us, but all of us.
"Come to the water, the water will flow. Stand to the night, see the light, let it grow. Hold on, for hard winds are starting to blow –Stand up!Hold on! And swear you won't let go... "-Coming Together ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A200Yovf7g8)