I can remember playing football on school teams as a teenager. There were some practices where I just couldn’t wait to get some water. In Jr. high school, it was just a water hose connected to a pump on the practice field. In high school, it was off-brand Gatorade in a cup with ice!
I had the same feeling running a half-marathon several years ago. There were some very nice people stationed along the way with cups of water. I couldn’t wait to get to one of those stations for just a sip or two of water during that long run.
I was recently reading in the book of John about Jesus being tired and thirsty from a long walk. He stopped at a well and asked a woman for a drink. His traveling companions had gone into the city to purchase some take-out.
I can relate to that feeling of thirst, wanting a drink, and just needing access to some water.
The interesting thing here is that Jesus broke down racial, gender, and religious barriers. He was a Jew, and this woman was a Samaritan. Faithful practicing Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. A Jewish man would never ask a Samaritan woman for a drink of water from her cup.
The ensuing discussion had such an impact on the woman that she brought many people from the nearby town to meet Jesus. The account reveals that many lives were changed because of this seemingly chance encounter over a simple drink of water.
A simple drink of water can be the spark for a meaningful conversation.
· A simple drink of water could be a gesture to break down a barrier.
· A simple drink of water can be the connection to display acceptance and value.
· A simple drink of water could be the bridge to an entirely different future.
As I look around at our world today, I see a lot of people that are tired and thirsty. Some have been walking a long road of battling illness. Others have spent years laboring over relationship issues with loved ones. There are financial concerns, addiction issues, job uncertainties, and the ever-present disappointments in life.
Our communities are full of tired and thirsty people.
We are a divided nation in many respects. Our congressional leaders can’t figure out a way to get our military personnel, air-traffic controllers, and other essential personnel paid. We have mis-managed finances so poorly as a nation that we can’t seem to figure out how to do it correctly anymore.
Our nation is full of tired and thirsty people seeking resolutions so we can move forward.
Sometimes the answers aren’t complex solutions but rather can be found in the simple. Sometimes, a simple drink of water can be the start of something special.
As you go your way this week, why don’t you grab a few bottles of water and see where you can give those away. You may just find yourself being the spark to something meaningful!
We also may need to send some bottles of water to Washington DC. It might help!
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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