Rivers have often been a place of quiet stillness for Elisa and me. One of our favorite places to go camping is Logan Canyon, right here in our backyard, where we can spend time right next to the Logan River.

Shall we gather at the river?
Where bright angel feet have trod
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God

“Shall We Gather At The River” is a traditional Christian hymn originally written in 1864 by Robert Lowry, a Baptist Minister and gospel music composer. “The songs lyrics make reference to the anticipation of restoration and reward of the water of life that comes from the throne of heaven,” writes our friend Jason Tonioli who introduced us to this beautiful hymn and whose arrangement of it Elisa will play.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God

Lowry was inspired by the opening two verses in the final chapter of the Book of Revelation: “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Soon we’ll reach the shining river
Soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace

I connect with these words of Jason he includes with the sheet music. In addition to being a composer and pianist, Jason spends time in Costa Rica where he’s run a kayaking and rafting tour company for years. “There’s something special you feel as you float along a river in a raft or kayak,” Jason writes. “When you take time to slow down in life, or when you are just floating along and enjoying nature along a river, I believe you can feel a unique spirit around you if you pay attention and look for it.”

Yes, we’ll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God

As Elisa plays this beautiful arrangement by Jason, and I read the touching lyrics by Lowry, we hope you can feel some of that same peace.

Have a beautiful Sunday! We love you!

Les & Elisa

p.s. If our message connects with you, please share what you feel. We would also be honored if you wanted to share this with others. Thank you friends!