Thirsty
I was hoping to add to my blog while I was out in South Dakota serving the Lakota people. But, there was no computer access. So the next few blog entries will be about the trip, but after the fact.
Thirst was a common theme last week for us.
Thirsty ground
As we've read in the paper lately, South Dakota and the middle part of America is experiencing drought. It was hot and dry last week. The ground is thirsty, very thirsty for water. Lots of places, as the wind blows, dust kicks up and creates a small dust cloud.
Thirsty wood
We painted Susan's trailer for her for two days. What we found was very thirsty wood for the paint, especially on the back side of her trailer. The wood siding was bare having never been painted.
Thirsty people
While we definately were made thirsty by the heat we experienced daily, metaphorically we were thirsty to learn about the Lakota people and culture. Atta and Will both shared with us about life on the reservation and the values their culture holds. Everyone, including the children, listened with apt attention to them share their wisdom and insight about life and survival. Twice I heard the comment made, "I've heard more wisdom in the last two days than I have for the past few years." God made our hearts ready to receive wisdom.
Thirsty Mike
On Friday, we pulled weeds in a garden in the 100 degree heat, sun beating down on our heads; no shade in sight. At one point, David, working near me and Kathy, said to us, I'm going to get something to drink. "Good idea," I thought to myself. When he returned, he did so carrying two cups of cold water, one for Kathy and one for me. "Here. Cold water." he said handing me the cup.
"Thanks," I said standing up straight and wiping the sweat from my forehead.
That evening,I remembered the verse from Matthew, "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink" an encouragement from Jesus to his disciples to serve others practically. As a middle class American Christian, I usually place myself in the role of water giver. I don't have needs...I meet needs. But, Friday morning, I was the recipient of the water. I was in need and David was the one who gave.
It's difficult at times for me to be in need or to allow others to see me in need. It's an ego thing I think. But, clearly on Friday, David, in the same boat as Kathy and me, saw the need and acted in a small and yet profoundly kind way: giving me a cup of cold water. To be in need is not bad in itself. I think all of us are afraid to be in need, to be "thirsty" because we're afraid of suffering, and most of all afraid that we will suffer alone, that no one will notice and no one will care. After all, suffering is not as bad as suffering alone. What I learned in retrospect is that God does provide for us and we can live life trusting others to serve us as we serve others.
Thanks for reading
Thirst was a common theme last week for us.
Thirsty ground
As we've read in the paper lately, South Dakota and the middle part of America is experiencing drought. It was hot and dry last week. The ground is thirsty, very thirsty for water. Lots of places, as the wind blows, dust kicks up and creates a small dust cloud.
Thirsty wood
We painted Susan's trailer for her for two days. What we found was very thirsty wood for the paint, especially on the back side of her trailer. The wood siding was bare having never been painted.
Thirsty people
While we definately were made thirsty by the heat we experienced daily, metaphorically we were thirsty to learn about the Lakota people and culture. Atta and Will both shared with us about life on the reservation and the values their culture holds. Everyone, including the children, listened with apt attention to them share their wisdom and insight about life and survival. Twice I heard the comment made, "I've heard more wisdom in the last two days than I have for the past few years." God made our hearts ready to receive wisdom.
Thirsty Mike
On Friday, we pulled weeds in a garden in the 100 degree heat, sun beating down on our heads; no shade in sight. At one point, David, working near me and Kathy, said to us, I'm going to get something to drink. "Good idea," I thought to myself. When he returned, he did so carrying two cups of cold water, one for Kathy and one for me. "Here. Cold water." he said handing me the cup.
"Thanks," I said standing up straight and wiping the sweat from my forehead.
That evening,I remembered the verse from Matthew, "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink" an encouragement from Jesus to his disciples to serve others practically. As a middle class American Christian, I usually place myself in the role of water giver. I don't have needs...I meet needs. But, Friday morning, I was the recipient of the water. I was in need and David was the one who gave.
It's difficult at times for me to be in need or to allow others to see me in need. It's an ego thing I think. But, clearly on Friday, David, in the same boat as Kathy and me, saw the need and acted in a small and yet profoundly kind way: giving me a cup of cold water. To be in need is not bad in itself. I think all of us are afraid to be in need, to be "thirsty" because we're afraid of suffering, and most of all afraid that we will suffer alone, that no one will notice and no one will care. After all, suffering is not as bad as suffering alone. What I learned in retrospect is that God does provide for us and we can live life trusting others to serve us as we serve others.
Thanks for reading
posted by Mike Weaver at 8:32 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home