For us Wet Coast dwellers (no, that鈥檚 not a spelling error), today was a day to celebrate. It didn鈥檛 rain! Not only that, the sun shone and the wind, gentle and warm, coddled the laundry; today I was finally reminded of the fragrance of bedding dried out on the line.
This winter has been one unlike any we鈥檝e encountered since moving to this part of the country over thirteen years ago. It鈥檚 a good thing that I鈥檓 not superstitious or I鈥檇 have suspected this would happen and I might have fled the place for the last three months. Alas, there鈥檚 been no opportunity for British Columbians to smirk during this past winter and emerging spring.
But while we have been awash in rain and melted snow, parts of the prairies face the spectre of possible drought. The land cries out with thirst.
All this was made personal this week as I pulled a book from my shelf, a treasure that I鈥檝e read several times but almost forgot about until I realized my need for some soul-refreshing rain from heaven. Come Thirsty by well known author, Max Lucado, discusses some of the symptoms of spiritual thirst, symptoms that are far too easily pushed aside, symptoms that too often are considered apart from their true origin, symptoms that cry out for acknowledgement and confession of need.
While each of us has responsibilities to tend to, in our attempts to carry on as if the strength to handle life鈥檚 challenges depended solely on us, we become parched and thirsty for the life-sustaining grace of God. He invites us to drink deeply. Freely. Daily.
鈥淚n the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if听any听man听thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.鈥� John 7:37
May my heart鈥檚 soil always be well-watered!
