There was movement in the grass along the riverbank where I rested with pen poised above the page, contemplating ideas for this column. I was trying to cool down as the heat wave hovered over the Upper Delaware River region. 

The day before, a slender water snake had sidled up and floated nearby. Was it back again, or was this a new friend?

The reeds rustled, closer this time. I set aside the pen and pad, reached for my phone camera and readied for whatever might emerge. One leap later, a green frog landed at my feet, where it remained unfazed by my presence. It studied me with earnest intensity, as if it had something important to say and wanted to gauge my capacity to receive the message. I returned its steady gaze, intent on learning what it wanted to convey.

It was a timely message about reverence for rivers and all that they are, with guidance from an animal whose home we invite ourselves into, especially at this time of year. I share this message with you here, happy to be a conduit for an amphibian with something important to say:

Flow—Rivers are the embodiment of flow. Within a river’s peaceful appearance lies great force. Contemplate the grace of flow and the power of force. Take heed of what can be learned with humility and appreciation.

Respect—Remember that rivers offer endless expressions of natural sound. Leave the air horns and radios at home and tune in to the symphony of birdsong and riffle and ribbit. 

Others—Seek the companionship of kindred spirits (both human and animal) while immersing in a river’s cooling waters or resting along a riverbank. Philosophize about the meaning of life while allowing your troubles to drift away and dissipate into the sparkling waves.

Gifts—The endlessly evolving interplay of light and water and air, funneled through a channel of vibrant green forested flanks restores our vitality, refreshes our senses and soothes the mind and spirit. Accept these priceless gifts with a humble and grateful heart.