If Nothing Changes, Nothing Will Change

If Nothing Changes, Nothing Will Change

John always says, “If nothing changes, nothing will change.” Likewise, if this trip doesn’t change me, nothing will. How can I see and experience so many sites, places, people, and blessings, without experiencing some changes in me?

We are beginning our fifth week of this adventure and have already experienced sites in God’s nature from a different view – the river’s view. Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron rookeries, hanging cliffs, beaches, and the changing of the seasons, just to name a few. The river’s view differs from the road’s view – one view isn’t wrong – one view isn’t better – they are both unique and beautiful. However, without a change in perspective, the other view cannot be appreciated. The river-view cannot be seen from the road and the road-view cannot be seen from the river. How often do I perceive my view in life as the right and/or better view? How often do I miss out on a “Great Blue Heron rookery” in life because I am not willing to change my perspective?

In addition to the river-view of sites in nature, we have approached many places with a river-view. My first impression of these places is different from the river than from the road. Do they have an accessible boat dock? Do they have an open restroom (The existence of a restroom does not guarantee it is open) close to the boat dock? Do they have trash receptacles? Do they have a place to camp? Yes to these items translates to a river-friendly community.

After assessing their friendliness, we walk into town for a road-view. We have found the river-friendliness of a place is not connected to its prosperity. Many river towns were once booming towns when the Erie Canal was still active but are now almost ghost towns. I would love to go back in time when the town was at its peak, see the freshly painted buildings, and greet people on the streets. All these buildings were designed and built at a point in history and provided someone with either a place to live or a source of income. A mother yelled at her son, “Don’t slam the door.” A merchant thanked a customer and said, “Come again.” Now many buildings are silent except for the sound of mice scurrying, while others are silent because of the sound of a wrecking ball. It’s so sad to see the important present become the forgotten past. Are there people in my life who have become the forgotten past? Do I need to perform some needed maintenance in some areas of my life to prevent silence?

While some of the buildings in these river towns may be empty, the people have, except for Covington, Indiana, been welcoming and helpful. These people love their river and sometimes drive there just to look at it. River people want to know what you need and try very hard to meet that need – rides, fire-wood, meals, transportation for boats around dams, welcome bags, treats, tours, showers, places to stay, laundry, etc…… But most of all friendship! Before this trip, I didn’t consider how the people would change me. Each time we meet someone new, I am amazed at their generosity and eagerness to help – they never seem to be too busy. Am I that receptive to the need in others? Am I eager to share my wealth? Am I “too busy”?

Through the generosity of others, I have been blessed! I have seen God’s hand every step of the way as He has placed these people at just the rights place at just the right time. There have been too many “I just happened to be” instances, many occurring as we have pulled up at the boat ramp, for them to be coincidental. God knew what we were going to need at that moment and provided a way. These heroes don’t even realize they are being used by God to take care of us. It’s easy to recognize these blessings because our needs are basic – food, restroom, trash, water. (Not necessarily in that order.) Almost everything we carry with us is here fulfill a need, with a few wants (pillow, guitar, wool blankets…), and it all fits into two separate boats. When I return home in August, I will have an entire house of mainly wants and a few needs. For some reason, in that environment, I don’t recognize the blessings as quickly as I have on this trip. What will cause me to be more aware of each small blessing? What will cause me to quit taking so many things for granted?

Sites, places, people, blessings. These are all part of the trip. These are all part of the changes in me. Some changes are occurring now – others won’t occur until I return home and reevaluate my life. I don’t want to wish my life away, but I can’t wait to see who I am at the end of this trip in August! If our crazy, once-in-a-lifetime adventure doesn’t change me, nothing will.

15 Comments

  1. Duane Herman said:

    To you guys I have to say Fig and I are proud to have you as friends.You have always wanted to do something different and step out of your comfort zone.You guys are doing it,not just for yourselves but for others.WELL DONE!!!

    May 5, 2015
    Reply
    • Thanks Sherman! Your words mean a lot to both of us. Hope you are well.

      May 5, 2015
      Reply
  2. sheila graber said:

    I love reading your transformational thoughts. Aren’t you amazed how God prompts us into his presence with creation? Oh! to be a hawk soaring above your kayak to see and hear your conversations. You two are indeed in separate boats, but your unity shines! Thanks for this bit-o-inspiration!

    May 5, 2015
    Reply
    • Thanks Sheila for the words of encouragement. Remember I’m with John – are sure you want to hear our conversations?

      May 5, 2015
      Reply
  3. Matt Weaver said:

    LaNae,

    I really enjoyed this post! Please tell John “hello” for me, and tell him that he is missed…

    One thing about “change” that I found hidden in your text, that although you guys have chosen to change your perspective. I know that you spent many hours, weeks, and months in prayer and preparation for this. I think there is a lesson in this?

    Had I chosen yesterday to change my perspective and head down the river on a whim, I would make it about 3 miles before The World overtook me and I felt overwhelmed and defeated.

    Your strategy for creating “change” was slow, methodical, and God-centered. To that is great value!!!

    –Godspeed

    Matt Weaver

    May 6, 2015
    Reply
    • Thanks for the kind words and insight Matt. You are missed as well.

      May 6, 2015
      Reply
  4. Stan Minnich said:

    Awesome writings and perspective on your lives at this time and place. I see a book of this trip in your future!
    May God continue to bless you as you travel on!
    Be safe
    Stan

    May 6, 2015
    Reply
    • Thanks for such encouraging words and prayers Stan. Hope you are well. How is Dan?

      May 6, 2015
      Reply
  5. Denise Smitley said:

    John and LaNae:

    We love reading your updates. We admire your leap of faith in taking this journey. While we worry about you, we are happy to hear that God is taking great care of you! We love and miss you! Happy Mother’s Day!

    May 6, 2015
    Reply
  6. Sherry and Terry Ellingwood said:

    John and Lanae, we have truly enjoyed following your journey on Face Book. What an awesome experience. You two are , in my opinion, very brave to take this challenge and run with it. We read every word and you are always in our prayers. We sure do miss you at church, but we know that God is with you with each stroke of your paddle. Be safe my friends and continue to keep us all with you through your thoughts and memoirs. We love and miss you both. Continue to enjoy this once in a life time ride. Terry and Sherry
    .

    May 6, 2015
    Reply
    • Thank you so much for the encouragement and prayers. We miss everyone at The Rock as well!

      May 6, 2015
      Reply
  7. Megan Dawson said:

    I didn’t realize you also had postings on the home page and really enjoyed this entry! I like to say: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. We are continuously praying for you and can’t wait to hear more about the ways God has been changing your perspectives.
    Love you, -Megan

    May 22, 2015
    Reply
    • I like “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Hmmmmm…..
      Thanks for the prayers.

      May 22, 2015
      Reply
  8. Jeff Cisney said:

    Hey Guys……..

    I have been praying for you often and it is so uplifting to see
    how God has blessed this trip.

    I was so very touched by your post that it brought tears to my eye’s.
    I am often amazed at the people who are placed into our lives to touch
    us in that gentle way only God can.

    I wish you all the best on your journey.

    KEEP IT UPRIGHT………..

    Love you both !

    May 25, 2015
    Reply

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