Blog Post 4, God's Goose

The river cascades down out of the mountains, winding through miles of wild National Forest, occasionally past homes and farms. From time to time there are beavers, deer, fox, and bears to be seen along the banks, as well as dozens of other species. On this particular day the Universe just threw in a bonus, one beautiful pure white goose, to go with the flow. Really? Of all the spectacles that may have been seen throughout time on this river, this may be one of the most appreciated. Jake and I stared, fixated on this rarest of sights.

Cautiously, hugging the opposite bank, the goose glided past. What was a white goose doing traveling downstream, here, at this time of year, just before sunset? Obviously he had an important message, for not only me, but also for you. Yep, you. He has just come into your perception, thus your life.

God's Goose.

I loved that bird. Bold. Beautiful. Brave, and enthusiastically headed with the flow into an uncertain future. I didn't need to use my intuition to know his upcoming hardships. I knew the river. He was headed toward a roaring beast. *Class IV whitewater rapids. The kind of river obstacle that most paddlers wisely opt to portage around. I rushed through the woods to photograph what may be one of the most challenging situations of his life.

Taking plenty of time to process the immediate life threatening forces, God's Goose showed no fear. I'm sure he didn't overthink it. After all, he's been guided by his heart his entire life.

The heart is wise, creative, sure, and joyous. God's Goose took time to celebrate having conquered the scariest of challenges. Scary only if you use your intellect, your brain. The heart knows no fear, hence the saying "he's got heart". Another smaller waterfall ahead for God's Goose will be no problem in comparison. Then on to calmer waters.

Is God's Goose really waving goodbye...or, is it come on? I know he motioning to COME ON!

*The scale used for the navigational difficulty of a section of river rapids varies in different parts of the country and in the world. The rating takes into account may characteristics, one being the remoteness and proximity to available help if needed. Typically on a I - VI scale Class I is: Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Class III: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Class IV: Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Class V: Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Class VI: Runs that have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger.