This simple little children's song is perhaps the most metaphysical song
I've ever heard. I recently heard it performed in the round by an elementary school band at
it's closing concert, attended by those parents who could arrange to be there on a mid afternoon. Hearing it made me think
once again of its profound truth and excellent advice.
We all row the boats of our lives, all to the same destination. In a sense, we are all in the
same stream even though our individual experiences may vary widely. Some few of us do seem
to row gently down the stream while others of us seem to perpetually find the white water.
Once past childhood, we are especially responsible for rowing our own boats; and it falls on us
to determine what part of the stream we'll travel. Our upbringing may get us started in one way
or another but past a certain point, it is up to us to choose. Even not choosing is a choice.
Into each life a little rain must fall, and all of that. We really do have issues to resolve
and jobs to do but our attitudes toward these things are in our own hands. I recognize that
it's not always easy to be merry when the hardships of life are upon us.
I'm not always merry, to say the least. But when I remember to be gentle and in good humor whatever is occurring,
it always makes for
a better experience. With the approach to life that this simple song advises, we minimize the
unpleasant and maximize the pleasant.
Life is but a dream. And as we age, we come to see how fleeting a dream it is. Take whatever
is left of your dream and seek to row more gently down the stream. Be kinder to those you
encounter as well as to yourself. Enjoy the phases of your dream as it unfolds; find the positives
and enhance them. Indulge in the merriment that is offered. Share your dream with others.
Okay now: The group on the right start on three, and the group in the middle be ready to start
in on . . .