"Three Returns to Drymen" REFLECTION OF CHILDHOOD.

"Don't sit over the wheels, it's too bumpy" good advice from my Dad. I was on my inaugural fishing trip.
He had been to this river many times with his two compatriots, now I was to be one of the "men" quite an   
honour for a six year old.  Laden with my little kit bag  and landing net I jumped from the  metal step 
stumbling, just staying upright, the smell of diesel fumes fresh around the bus.
 Digger, Brilliantine, Jock, (Dad) and me had arrived in Drymen (pronounced, Drimin)

First sight of the River Endrick situated at the south of Loch Lomond was one which I still remember today. Deep, slow moving, dark tea coloured water gliding around a bend. Sandy beaches gouged out by the flow.
Digger in his low base voice broke the silence "Time to drum up" with quiet agreement we gathered wood, lit a fire and set the black tin into the burning fire. Tin mugs were topped  up as night fell. The aroma of fire, food and tea, lingered on as Digger,the ever comic raconteur held court.

                                                    

Dad appeared out of the dusk with half moon shaped corrugated metal  and put together a shelter and bed for me.I fell asleep quickly as the three comrades set off for a place to ply their sport.     

I woke with a frisson of fear that made me yell in the darkness. Where was everyone? where was my daddy?  I was terrified and alone.
Out of a dark place I felt a pair of strong supportive arms enfold me and I felt the peace of security and safety.
                                                       
 I have been to many dark places in my life since that night. This is not uncommon to us all.
As you read this memory, are you in a "dark place" Do you feel there is no way through?
So many of us are slaves to illness, depression, fears of the future, guilt, financial uncertainty.
You know your own situation.

I HAVE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO FEEL THE UNFAILING ARMS OUTSTRETCHED TO COMFORT YOU.   EXPERIENCE GOD'S COMPANY. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
HIS ARMS ARE NEVER FURTHER AWAY FROM YOUR WHISPERED PRAYER.