Hydrating

 

Next week, I will be spending time with my eight-year-old nephew while his parents are at work. 

Last week, as he shrugged his rucksack on before leaving for school, he said to his Mum, 

“I think I will be able to fit two water bottles in here, so I can carry mine and Aunty Memem’s when we go out”.

He’d have water for himself, and some to give me, too.

It reminded me of ACW. So many ‘share their water’ to encourage, and renew, and refresh others in their writing.

Last evening, I spent time with Tracy Williamson. Whenever we chat, it is always a time of mutual ‘sharing of water’. As we discuss writing struggles and joys, and pray together, we leave energised and encouraged.

Tracy’s next book, Unashamed, will be out in September. The title itself reminds us that we don’t need to be embarrassed. We can ask for help, and receive water that others have for us.

Starting with Jesus.

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink". (John 7:37)

Anyone who is thirsty.

Perhaps we are thirsty for inspiration, or time, or affirmation, or guidance, or courage, or….

Come to Me, says Jesus.

He has – and is – Water for us.

Let’s remember to hydrate.

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. 

(John 7:38)

As we spend time with Him, and write what He puts on our hearts, His living water flows through words. We ‘share our water’.

There is an old hymn; ‘Channels Only’, which speaks of us being channels of His grace. I’ve just looked up the definition of ‘channel’:

a length of water…joining two…areas….

As we write, may we know that we do so in union with God, joined by living water.

a method or system for communication….

As we seek to communicate God’s heart, we do so joined to Him by living water.

Let’s remember to hydrate.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; 

apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)