3 things about water

We’re on our friend’s boat tonight, after celebrating our son’s birthday. The water is all around. Here’s what I love about water:

1. It’s versatile. A few wet sprinkles of rain trail from overhead clouds, scudding along a mostly sunny sky. The boat rocks on the lake, tethered to the dock with stretchy ropes. And my teabag swims in hot water in my thermos as I write. 

Water can be stored, whether frozen into ice or at room temperature as a liquid. It evaporates when heated to steam. How mysterious! (How did God think of such a thing?) We can swim in it and drink it (not at the same time, we hope)… even open the pores of our skin by leaning over a steaming bowl of water.

2. It’s useful. Water itself is not particularly interesting (at least not to non-scientists like me.) It's clear and conforms its shape to every receptacle. Pure water has no odor and little texture. While water itself looks unimpressive, it is a vehicle for things that happen in the world. 

We wash ourselves and our things in water. Plants and animals need water to survive. Blood cells are pumped steadily through our arteries and veins, blood’s water carrying nutrition, oxygen, and waste. Food preparation may require water for steaming, boiling, or rinsing. Water transportation is a vital part of moving people and goods. Water also acts as a mirror, reflecting its surroundings.

3. It’s soothing. Water lubricates. In a hot-water (or cold-water) bottle, it warms the cold or cools the hot. What would life be without the occasional soak in the tub? Ah, bliss.

When you think of water, do you appreciate it? Avoid it? Fear it? Can’t wait to jump into it? Why?

Today I thank God again. Don't you love his imagination and care for us? “Thank you, God, for water!”

Scripture tells us that we have been washed by Living Water, the Word who came to live among us. As the boat tilts on the waves, I’m amazed again by God and the world he made.

Read more:

*The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. Proverbs 18:4 NIV

*In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1 NIV

*Waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:6 ESV

*For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 NIV

*For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Revelation 7:17 NIV

*(John wrote,) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 21:1-2 NIV

Evening Prayer: Lord of Creation, turn our hearts to you. As we rest this night, let our hearts be still waters reflecting your goodness. In the morning, let our lives be like the brooks that carry living water to the thirsty. And all day long, let our longing for you be as broad and deep as the oceans, always moving, always seeking, always exploring new shores. 

Satisfy us in the days to come with the bread and water of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

(Moravian Prayer) God of water, purify our minds. Today is a new day—may we enter the day with hope and love, spreading your word wherever we may go. Amen.