John 7: 37-38 - Rivers of Living Water

37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” 

As we leave the winter blues behind (finally) and look forward to the warmth of springtime, May brings new life and new hope of leaving the heavy jacket in the closet. The spring season also brings refreshing rains to clean the streets and nourish the plants with its life-giving moisture. Yes, “Showers of Living Water.”  

With the coming of May and June we all look forward to the warmth which the sun will provide and the “popping” of the garden plants and spring flowers which should already be in bloom.  With the weather we have had in the previous month there certainly is no guarantee that the tulips will be open early. I just hope that by May I can finally get the potatoes and onions in, but the ground will need some time in which to dry before we even think about turning the ground over.  This spring is our festival where God teaches the lessons of patience and how He quenches our thirst for something great to partake in. 

As it is said “Patience is a virtue,” I find that my children, like many others, need to develop this skill as they grow.  Ok, some of us still are trying to master the art of “patience!” As my children would admit, their father was a stickler of patience. They would admit that their dad would purposely take his “dear sweet time” eating at celebrations just to watch them squirm wanting dad to hurry up. This was especially true at Christmas as we would fondue for our Christmas Eve supper. But with their impatience, they learned a valuable lesson as if they got a bit antsy, I would sing the “Be Patient Song.” A dreaded tune that they would rather be patient than have me sing it to them.  And, if you are beginning to be impatient with this message, here it is:

“Be patient! Be patient! Don’t be in such a hurry. For when you’re impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember that God had patience too, and think about the times that he was patient with YOU!

I, too, need to learn this patience this spring as with all of the living water in which we have been blessed. The field crops that the area farmers plan to plant, including myself, are day by day getting late to be put in the ground. Yes, it gets to be a bit unnerving waiting for the living water in the field to percolate into the subsoils. The ducks might enjoy this, but those who desire to plant crops are less than amused! Patience Pastor Dean! Or, God will have to sing to me! 

Give thanks to God for the gifts of new life with the spring season’s arrival and our thirst for this renewal of life which will be quenched as we watch: the trees bud, the grass grow, the fawns tag along with the doe, the goslings swimming in tow between the two parents as they cross the ponds and lakes, as well as the warm sunshine. Our thirst is well quenched as we witness the love of our God in his creation all around us. “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” What a blessing is springtime as we patiently await daily for God to reveal Himself to us. We just need to take time to see each and every gift we receive. Be blessed this spring, as the summer heat is not far away! 

Blessings, Pastor Dean