ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This watercolor done at the edge of the Rum River is another reflection of Paul’s love of God’s creation. This river flows into the Mississippi and eventually down to the Gulf of Mexico. You can see the current pushing through obstacles along the way, squeezing in and out of unrelenting tree roots – over rocks and weeds. Life is like that with all its twists and turns – ups and downs – unknowns – striving to reach a destination that leads us home. The artist, Paul, found his way through 82 years of struggle, success, defeat, and more of the same, but always placed his trust in the One who created him. I miss this man but know that he is finally home. He left an amazing legacy through his family and his art. Soon the river will freeze, but the cycle will continue. Our first great grandson is celebrating his first birthday today – another one to love.

Rushing water,

Surging as it crashes,

Over broken rock,

And fallen trees,

Twisting and turning,

Undulating like a serpent,

Snaking its way through the forest,

Life giving water,

Flourishing with vitality,

Imprisoned by its boundaries,

Still following the path,

Carved out for it,

As in humanity,

On a collision course with life,

Obeying all the rules,

Doing our best,

Trying yet failing,

Melting down,

Stumbling,

Falling,

A catastrophe waiting to happen,

Within life’s disaster,

Our Savior walks with us,

Guiding our course,

Lifting us when we can no longer stand,

Supporting through all adversity,

The same Creator who made the river,

Allows us to crash and fall,

Yet guides us to still waters.