This has been a weird week in the news. Reporters have multiple options of big stories and have found every angle to report them. Kidnappings, hostages, a murder conviction, Benghazi investigations, and more very serious issues have filled the stations and papers. Going to the doctor meant watching CNN for an hour while waiting for my infusion. Tim's message this morning is timely; the world is filled with “dirty” people needing cleansing from the Lord.
Tim is filling the pulpit for Pastor Don (Houston First Church of God) while he is on sabbatical. The Bergstroms will be out of state for about 3 months altogether. Today was the second week of his series on “essentials.” He admitted it was hard to follow-up his message on food last week, as he cooked bacon on the stage and tempted the audience with the aroma of the best Oscar Mayer center cut of bacon he could find. It was a message on thanksgiving for the food God has given us, as well as a nudge to use food to reach out to others as we practice hospitality.
So this week's essential – water. I am reminded once more of the necessity of drinking plenty of fluids, not just during this time of my life but all times. Water is necessary to our bodies, but it only lasts a little while. We have to keep drinking to replenish our cells. Jesus gives us living water which regenerates our soul. Sometimes we don't even realize we are thirsty. We should listen to our body and soul to determine whether we need a drink.
Water replenishes and cleanses us. It feels good to take a shower after a hard day's work. Similarly, living water cleans the soul, but we “never thirst again.” Baptism is a beautiful expression of this event.
But we shouldn't be satisfied with being clean. Sometimes we look at those who are “dirty” and judge. We forget what it was like before we drank the living water, and expect them to act like us, and think like us. Or we avoid them so they won't taint our clean clothes. If we are to help others find the living water, we may need to get our hands dirty. “We will never clean up our city, until we first clean up the souls who live in our city.” Jesus modeled this for us as he sat with those who needed him most. It was a good message, thought-provoking and once again an inspiration. I never tire of hearing him preach.
So what does this have to do with Mother's Day? Action. Intentions are only as good as our follow-through. (Aside, it's not too late to take action if you forgot to get something for your mother for Mother's Day.) Mothers take action regularly, in hopes of sharing the Living Water with their children. The least we can do is give back to her for all the tears she shed on our behalf.
My family is cooking dinner for Mother's Day later. I don't mind being a little spoiled this day. I'm looking forward to an afternoon nap, maybe a ride on the Harley for a Happy Hour (half-price) Frappacino at Starbucks, and then dinner and perhaps a movie with the family. And of course, I'll have water to drink.
Coming up…FEC on Thursday. This is #3 of 4, so we are half-way through the second round of chemo. Every day people tell me they are praying for me, and this, I am certain, is why I am doing so well. Minimal side effects, and feeling good. Thank you…thank you…thank you!
Posted with Blogsy