Secret of Rainbow River

 “A Chill in the Water!”

Or

Lessons Drawn From the Rainbow River”

 

My first trip to Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida was as a teen. The spring-fed water is icy cold even on the hottest day of the year. I understand the water travels underground from the Appalachian Mountains. The river is only seven miles long and as clear as a pane of glass. 

 You  cannot “ease” your way into the water. “Easing in” is akin to cutting off your toe a sliver at a time. Simply Excruciating. No. You must make the commitment and jump in.

 The ice-cold water surrounds you. It nearly takes your breath away, but you quickly adapt. 

 The current is strong, so most people bring or rent innertubes to float down the river, the fish swimming happily beneath them. Fish in that river are hard to catch because they can see absolutely everything …hook, line, and sinker.

This past week I had the opportunity to visit the river. Mike and I took a drive up there and stopped in at our favorite restaurant, The Front Porch. The food and service are wonderful, but whenever I mention The Front Porch to folks in Citrus County (and beyond) the first words out of their mouths are usually, “Oh…the pies!” 

Yep, their pies are great. Award winning, even. And if you watch Tampa news stations, you’ll often see the restaurant featured because of…their pies. And just for perspective, Tampa is two counties and a few hours away.

I digress. I could write an entire blog post on the restaurant, but this post is about what I’ve learned from the Rainbow River. 

 

The Rainbow River is a Good Guide Along the Path of Life. 

1)        Take the plunge. Go for it. Be it a new job opportunity, a new relationship, or a trip you’ve always dreamed of taking but put on the back burner…go for it. Be all in. Change can be challenging, but I’ve learned through the years that God wired us to adapt to new circumstances and surroundings. Those new experiences help us grow confidence and positive self-esteem. 

 

2)        That said…don’t forget the innertube. Your safety net. Those are the people close to you. Your family, dear friends, and trustworthy coworkers. They are there to support you as you make a change in your life and pull you out of the current if you need a little help. A little help.

 

3)        Enjoy the ride. We can get so busy treading water in life…trying to keep our heads above the surface, we miss the beauty of our surroundings. Our routines take over. We look up one day and, with a sigh, say “I wish I had…”  or “I wonder what my life would look liked if…” You  get the idea.

 

4)        Finally, if you find yourself in Florida and a sign pops up directing you to Dunnellon, get off the tourist trap interstate and meander through the countryside of Marion County. Visit Rainbow Springs at the head of the river. And…if you feel a bit adventurous, don your swimsuits and take a guide boat up the river.  Jump in the cold water. After your float, head south on US Highway 41. Stop in at The Front Porch and indulge in a piece of pie. As they say: Put a little South in your Mouth.

(P.S. Tell them Becky Sent You)