Reflecting Pools

As the cool rain falls, it makes puddles on the ground. Puddles reflecting the fullness of God's blessing and a well-spring of Spiritual water that comes from within to quench our thirst. Water is a gift that we all take too much for granted. In the land of 10,000 lakes it is as ubiquitous as mosquitoes in July. In a parched and barren desert, it is quite a different scene. Water means life or death for the plants and animals.

Today, as the tragedy in the gulf continues to pump thousands of gallons of crude into the water, threatening our sea and coastal life, I reflect on how careless we have become with our water. I have been in African villages where clean water was only a dream and bacteria filled murky water a reality that was still a three kilometer walk away. How guilty do you feel running the tap as you brush your teeth or water your beloved lawn. How can we conserve the gift that we have in clean water.

One of my favorite quotes (and I don't know where it comes from) is "Even a pool of water needs to be perfectly still in order to reflect". I was reminded of this today as I looked out over the rippled lake and watched the steady rain fall and replenish that which had been evaporating over the last several dry weeks. There was no reflection, only constant motion on the water.

The chaos and activity that fills our day makes it hard for us to really reflect and be grateful for all the gifts that the Spirit gives us. Even without the raging white caps of the storms that sometimes fill our lives, the daily dribble interrupts our ability to reflect. We need to find that quiet place today so that we can reflect and see the reflection of what God wants us to be. He has made us in His image so that we might reflect His love, His goodness and the hope He brings to us each day.

Happy Reflecting!