Living Water Flows

 

As a person who grew up in a place of hot weather, there are some timeless signs of summer that are forever in my mind. The brief moments in the morning before the temperature climbs. The heat that builds throughout the day and into the night. The sight and sounds of certain summer insects. And, of course, the sprinkler.

It was always a treat when we were allowed to play in the sprinkler. And we could play for hours. Running and jumping, creating games and challenges as we played. It cooled us off and passed the time, all while watering the parched grass. To this day the sight and sounds of sprinklers transport me back to that simpler, more carefree time.

Water is essential to life. The scriptures are full of images of water. Water refreshes. Water washes. Water quenches our thirst. Water symbolizes birth and new life. Jesus taught that he offered living water, water that would never stop refreshing our souls and quenching our thirst. In fact, Jesus said,

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

I let the sprinklers remind me that, even in the parched and dry seasons of my life, the living water flows. It flows not only into my life, but out of it as well. We would perhaps all benefit from stopping now and then to play in the water and be refreshed in the love of God.

Peace.