Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Reflecting on Psalm 143
Many years ago while on a cross-country bicycle trip, I decided to get an early start alone. I relished the cool breeze as I rode through the desert. Before long, the temperature was rising rapidly. I drank all my water in a very short time. The town I saw in the distance was far away. The only shade I found was in a gully under a railroad track. As time went by, I got even hotter and very thirsty.
I called out to God but nothing happened. No cars passed. I was alone! The temperature was rising rapidly. I realized I could die under that railway if no one came along with water. I had almost given up hope, when one of my fellow riders came by with a gallon water jug on his bicycle! I weakly called, but he had already seen me and stopped. His water refreshed my body and his presence were gifts from God that day.
As we journey through life, our hearts, souls and minds can dry out and shrivel up. We may look fine, but our souls are suffering. When we call out to God, he gives us cool fresh spiritual water to restore our souls.
Written by: Rev. Vicki Dotterer, Wesley Chapel UMC
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