“The flowers are such a nice touch,” I said completely surprised and grateful. My husband had planned a special gathering for my birthday for weeks. Initially he wanted it to be a surprise for me, and I was completely unaware. But along the way he told me of his plans. And of course, I was thankful he did since I preferred guests not arrive to a messy house. But he had not told me that his plans included fresh flowers. And while he wanted to be sure a hearty bouquet graced the room, there was not merely one vase full, but two.
Decorations were strategically placed. Friends and family came. We enjoyed delicious food and warm fellowship. Then the time came for clean up. All was well in my world. I was satisfied with the small gathering and enjoyed the many kindnesses expressed.
In the days that followed, the fresh flowers were a visual reminder of the heart-warming occasion. It was my intention to take one of the vases to my office so I could enjoy the lovely array while away from home. But one never seemed to make its way with me as I dashed out the door each morning.
Days later after finally slowing myself enough to notice what was happening, I realized one vase of flowers continued to display vibrant colors in its healthy, delicate petals. But the flowers in the other vase had shriveled and were quickly dying. This puzzled me as the vases were carefully placed, receiving nearly the same lighting. Yet upon closer inspection the realization came. In one vase the stems continued to enjoy an ample supply of water, while the other was dry. Of course, I thought to myself, it makes so much sense now. These lovely flowers simply cannot survive without water.
Then my thoughts quickly turned to the source of living water from which we draw our spiritual life. In the days of ancient Israel, the Lord sent His Word to warn them:
“My people have committed two sins: they have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 NIV
I wonder if we, too, have done similarly, seeking possessions and pleasures rather than God’s ways. It is all too easy to focus on what seemingly glitters with tantalizing delight and chase after such thrills with wild abandon. Yet in the end, all too often we find emptiness and a dry, barren existence. But Jesus said:
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38 NIV 1984
So as we live out our days, let us pause and consider if our symbolic vase of life is dry and slowly draining life from within us, or if we are connected to the source of life, believing and following Jesus, and thus enjoying a constant flow of living water from within.
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