Summary of “The Will of the 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. How are they dealt with? The person must
have patience and endurance to hurdle testing’s 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. Secondly, it also speaks of determination to reach the goals of life. If
we cannot overcome the obstacles, we can under come 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 need other people, and they need you, too. Whatever you possess (talents, abilities, or it
could even be riches) you have to share them to other people. Be generous and not selfish. You may
comfort others, help those who are in need and even be able to sacrifice for the sake of other people. This
could be the meaning of life. If nature, like the 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 high, 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
neither to trust and believe that God will enable him to move on and will help him, never to desert nor to
forsake.