Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NLT)
The doorbell rang about 9 PM last night. Parker started barking and Mark looked at me with a “who could that be?” look. I knew I was not dressed for company so Mark checked it out. When he opened the door, I heard a neighbor from up the street talking to Mark with a very stressed out voice.
I didn’t get it all but I did hear that water was pouring out under our garage doors into the street. I ran to the door into the garage and when I opened it, water was everywhere, about two inches deep. The canister for our water filtration system split and water was pouring out.
While Mark turned it off at the main valve, I called the plumber. No answer. Next, I left an email explaining our problem. A few minutes later, an email reply hit the mailbox with a promise to fix it in the morning.
There is nothing quite like “no water.” It affects everything, and suddenly the only thing you want is water. Water to wash your face, brush your teeth, take a shower, flush the toilet, quench your thirst, fill the dog bowl, rinse the dishes, water the garden, fill the fountains, or wash the clothes.
While showering at my gym, I was amazed that lack of water had again sent me out to find a substitute shower. I have had this happen off and on for the last 25 years.
For many years, I lived in a house that required a water pump because of elevation differences. I still recall the feeling of despair when I turned on the water and got…nothing. The pump was down — again. I’d trudge up to the neighbors and “borrow’ their shower and then call the plumber.
When I moved into a new house in Tucson, I was sure my days of “no water” was over. Unfortunately, this crisis has occurred twice. I mentioned to the plumber that I hoped this would be the last time we met over this particular problem (faulty manufacturing) as he finished up.
So why do I share my water story?
How many times do we do everything we can think of to quench the longings of our soul? More activity, less time, more addictions, less trust, more money, less satisfaction.
The woman at the well had an unexpected house call from Jesus and He offered a fix that would satisfy the longings of her heart permanently. She knew she had tried all the wrong ways but her willingness to drink of the living water changed not only her but bubbled up and changed her entire neighborhood.
I’d like to be able to say that this water issue will never happen again but I can’t. I can say that my heart is filled with the living water of life and I am satisfied.
“If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” John 7:37-38 (CEV)