The Will of a River

by Alfredo Q. Gonzales

The “Will of a River” by Alfredo Q. Gonzales, talks about the life of man on earth. The
river is likened to a person’s life. Firstly, it shows that it is an undeniable fact that there are many
trials, problems and difficulties that one encounters in life. Sometimes these circumstances are
considered to be negative. There are many hindrances and obstacles that one faces in life.
Howare they dealt with? The person must have patience and endurance to hurdle testings and
even adversaries in life. There are those who easily get dismayed and discouraged. They
surrender or even retreat, but there are those who persevere and do not easily lose hope, like the
river.
S econdl y, it also speaks of determination to reach the goals
o f l i f e . I f w e c a n n o t overcome the obstacles, we can undercome them as aptly
expressed by the author. Have the optimism to reach your goal and possess an
outlook in life not in pessimism but in hope. You have that optimism to reach your goal
and your outlook in life must not be one in pessimism but of hope. When we experience
hardships in life or when things get rough, we must not quit. Just stick to the fight.
One has to live his life faithfully and be a blessing to others. This is why the river exists.
Without doubt this is the noble reason for our existence on earth. You are not just living for
yourself but you live firstly for God and for other people, as well. The popular saying, “No man
is an island” suggests that you cannot live alone but you n eed other people and they
need you, too. Whatever you possess (talents, abilities, or it could even be riches)
you have to share them too ther people. Be generous and not selfish. You may
comfort others, help those who are in need and even be able to sacri fice for the
sake of other people. This could be the meaning of life. If n a t u r e , l i k e t h e
river, which we consider devoid of feelings or emotions, fulfills its duty
rightfully, how much more for man who was created by God in His own image
with emotions, will, and intellect? One must consider his responsibility to others and must
solemnly see the need to care and have compassion for others.
With reverence, man must recognize the fact that the things he possesses in
life comes from God. His life comes from the creator. He draws his strength from God. The
things that he shares with others are gifts or blessings from the Lord. He lives by the
grace of the Almighty God. And the same grace he must show to others. He can do nothing
without God in his life. All his achievements, his victories, his possessions are attained or
obtained because of God. What he is and what he has is all because of Him.
Like a mountain, where the river draws its power from to be able to carry
on, man has God. Like a mountain, big and hi gh, God, the Omnipotent is the
source of all, the source of strength, hope, and the courage of man to go on with and stick to
his fight. Only that man has to trust and believe that God will enable him to move on
and will help him, never to desert nor to forsake.

Therefore, a man should be faithful to his calling, believing that God will be able to keep
him from falling. And in His promise he will trust for He will be faithful to finish
the work Hehas begun to each and everyone’s life.