Farthest Shore

We were there in the woods by the water
We left our packs up against that willow tree
We dove right in, keeping just what we were born with
Our Memories, Knowledge and Dreams

As I swam away from our possessions
I imagined that they were gone forever more
And for once I was glad that all I treasured
Would still be with me as I reached other shore.

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

After the blaze burned our cabin down to ashes
Where we'd slept warm, now the sky lets in the rain
I found the strings, frets and rusted latches
But I will never hear that old guitar again
These four walls are only in my memory
Where these stone steps rise to nothing in the air
So one last look and I'm headed for the river
To wash my hands and try to say this prayer

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

When my time to live this life is over
I'll tip my hat when I think about that swim
And of all the things that make a life worth living
That only come to those who dive right in

So...Let me dive into the water,
Leave behind all that I've worked for
Except what I remember and believe
and when I stand on the farthest shore
I will have all I need

All I need.....
Let me dive into the water...
It's all I need




I'm naturally a transient person. I've not lived in the same place for two semesters since freshman year, but that hardly counts since I had to move out of my childhood home to college (and to my stepdad's house). Now, having moved (again) back to Holland from Grand Rapids at the end of this semester, I've come face to face with all of my "stuff" once more. While most of it gets used on a regular basis, I'm always wondering why I have this or that. It just doesn't go away. Here I sit in my room, feeling a little disjointed--just like the way all of the furniture is awkwardly placed. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to rearrange, but the proportions of the room aren't quite right. I'll get it, eventually, as I also mentally settle in.

I also helped some friends from church move out of their old house into a new one. I packed a lot of boxes. Again, I was reminded of how easy it is to acquire things over the years.

If you haven't read them through, I highly recommend that you check out David Wilcox's song "Farthest Shore" (it's easy to find on iTunes, too.) These lyrics are so applicable to where I am in life at this moment. It's what got me through my last day of class yesterday, anyway!

All I need is what I remember and believe. :)


Betsy