Deep Thirst

At first glance, this post may seem somewhat of a hodge-podge of divergent thought.  In fact, it seems that way to me, as well, but I just have this sense that beneath the surface there is a cohesiveness that pulls it all together  . . . and so I post and trust that you will get the message.

Hydrangeas, which are associated with the qualities of friendship, devotion and understanding are also notoriously thirsty plants, particularly when potted.  They need deep waterings the first several years after being transplanted in order for their roots to grow deep and develop the capacity to survive dry seasons.

Reminds me of the seasons of life . . . how our first few years, even decades, we need lots of attention, pouring into, deep waterings.  As we grow older, it is considered a mark of maturity to be independent . . . not so needy, and thus we often allow the cry of our souls for water, for refreshment, to go unanswered. I am currently visiting weekly with an elderly lady at a senior's residence and see so many precious persons with untold stories and deep reservoirs of wisdom and experience.  So few of them have visitors and it breaks my heart that these dear ones depths are so rarely explored.  And so I share the following poem, used with the author's permission.

Thirst

by Peyton Leigh Stille

Hair flecked with silver streams

Grooves in the skin creating ripples of wisdom

Wisdom shown in the glossy eyes

Body of watery experience sitting in the rickety chair, 

the chair that squeaks with every rocky wave

If wisdom had a visible aura

it would be seeping out of his eyesockets

creating rivers of tears flowing down the cheekbones

 It would be pouring out of his ears

watering the hydrangeas that rest by his feet.

It would be running out of his nose

into the decades of wisdom gathering around his chin

It would be salivating out of the corners of his mouth

down his chin

drenching the front of his argyle sweater vest

But people walk by blinded by nearsightedness

they don't see the water that creates a tsunami

strong and tall

People walk by

content on their dry scratchy gravel, 

not wanting to dip their toes

into the murky pond before them

People walk by

closer towards the desert

where they get stuck

waiting for something to quench their thirst.

*  *  *

 A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water.  

Jesus said. "Would you give me a drink of water?"  

The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, 

"How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?"  

(Jews in those days wouldn't be caught dead talking to Samaritans.)

Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am,

 you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water . . .

 Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. 

 Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst, not ever.  

The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."

John 4:7-14 (The Message)

"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat.  Yes, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread and your wages for what does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Isaiah 55:1,2