This past summer my husband Glenn and I were in the Pacific Northwest.  We were traveling to the area to attend my niece’s wedding.  Since we were making the trip we decided to spend some time in the Olympic National Park and Forest.  While there we learned about the Elwha River Restoration Project. 
          It seems that one hundred years ago, entrepreneur Thomas Aldwell had a “good idea.”  He saw the Elwha River as an economic opportunity. He was hopeful to power nearby Port Angeles and see it grow into a busy port city like San Francisco.  Construction began in 1910 and it was functional by 1913.  The Elwha Dam supplied energy to Port Angeles but it never developed into the port city of his dreams.  However, despite Thomas Aldwell’s good idea to bring economic opportunity to the region, he didn’t likely see what he would be destroying.
          A long time ago, the Elwha River provided ten different fish including five different types of salmon. The Elwha River provided the salmon spawning ground.  Wild animals such as black bears, cougars and eagles made their home along the Elwha River.  But all that and more changed with not only one dam but two dams were eventually built.  The rich natural resources were no longer available to the people.
          This made me think of the many “good ideas” I have had, filled with lots of good intentions.  I could not see that in the end there may be fruit but not necessarily the fruit that I was anticipating.  My good ideas become like dams blocking the flow of God’s blessing and plans for my life.  Today, before I move forward with my “good ideas,” I try to remember to ask Holy Spirit if I am lining up with His plans for my life.  I don’t need my good ideas, I need revealed to me God’s plan.  His plans are the best; they have a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).
          In 1992 Congress passed the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act.  It was signed by then President George Bush.  The Elwha River continues to be in process of being restored.  The salmon are returning; the animal and plant life is being restored.  The people are once again fishing in the river.  It has been hard work to blast away man-built dams.  But it is being done.  Once gone the river and all the benefits that come with it can be restored.  (Learn more at: www.nps.gov/olym/historyculture/history-of-the-elwha-overview.htm)

          Are there some dams you need to ask God to identify and blast away?  God is so very faithful.  Ask Him.  If you seek Him, you will find Him (Jer. 29:13).  With all my heart I believe our God longs to set us free from all things that will hinder our walking in the fullness of all He has prepared for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Let the River of Life flow blessings into your life!! (Rev. 22:1-5)

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For further study:
Spend some quiet time with the Lord.  Review the lyrics of Let the River Flow or listen to it on U-Tube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyKLV8YN6wY

Let the River Flow!!
By Darrell Evans

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man say I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Moving power
Let the river flow.

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man say I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Moving power
Let the river flow.