Walking in a shallow stream yesterday, I first thought myself to be most impressed by the large rocks that forced the water to flow over or around them. How steadfast they seemed! And, as the water rushed past, it caused deep holes and soft, movable sand around the rocks. The rock's steadfastness allowed the water to run deep, where it could be absorbed and retained to nourish nearby shrubs and trees. But then I thought, "how sad!" The stream often runs along wide, flat courses that flow over the smooth, rock free, sand of the stream bed. Here the water passes over, leaving little of itself to nurture the plants and trees.

I paused for a moment, standing on one such smooth, flat spot. I noticed for an instant how solid the sand seemed to feel. It seemed firm and supported my weight easily, at first. But then, under the pressure of my standing weight, the sand began to be moved and washed away by the water rushing under me. Soon, and without moving, I was standing in a hole where the water could flow into the ground, not just over and past. Where, like the holes around the steadfast rocks, the water could be absorbed and used.

Though Jesus is the Living water, I am too often like the smooth, but hard stream bed, letting Christ "flow" past with out affecting my to the fullest, the deepest.

My prayer then, Lord, keep your loving weight and pressure on me always, so the Water can have that deeper, productive ability to wash away my smooth firm surfaces. To make my life totally open to You, through Christ Jesus and to all the wondrous adventures You've planned for me.

[Men's retreat California 1981]

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."