Friday, October 29, 2010

Does someone need watering?



      It's dead! With the flag sticking out of it, you'd think it died an honorable death...but it didn't. It died from lack of water. You would expect that kind of death for a plant growing in the desert, a barren and dry place, but this one died right here on my front porch just steps away from the end of a hose. It's hanging in a place I walk by every day. How could I not see it turn brown and wither from neglect? If I had only noticed it in time, maybe I could have saved it. I can't help but wonder how long it's been hanging there in need of a burial. The flag poking up out of the dry ground is a clue...could it have been that way since the fourth of July? That's a little embarrassing!

      It reminded me of something that happened at church. I realized I hadn't seen someone for quite a while, and then found out they weren't attending there anymore. How long had it been since I saw them? I couldn't remember. In a way, the same thing that happened to my plant can happen to people in the church. We pass by each other every Sunday as we come and go, we sit by people regularly in church service or at Bible study, without even noticing they look a little dry or withered emotionally. Instead of water, maybe they're in need of a hug or thirsty for encouragement. Maybe they're hurting or lonely and need someone to notice and pour a few refreshing drops of love into their lives. It could mean the difference between them growing healthy in the body of Christ or withering away - alone.

      All I had to do to keep my plant from dying was notice it and give it a little water now and then. It's really not that much different with people is it? All we need to do is notice each other and pour a little love into one another's lives now and then. We don't even have to get the hose, because God has given us a spring of living water through His Son Jesus Christ, and the only thing we have to do is reach out and share it. Is there anyone in your life who could use a little water? When we go to church, or anywhere for that matter, let's look around and notice if the people we pass by or sit next to are looking a little dry. If they are, let's pour some love out on them. If you can't tell whether they need it...sprinkle them anyway. I think in this case, it's better to over water!

And above all things have fervent love for one another,
for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
1Peter 4:8

16 comments:

  1. Hi Charlotte, what an apt analogy... how so true. thank you for sharing a truly inspiring post today.

    Blessings,
    Ruth

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  2. Hi charlotte, your post touched me...b/c it's so true. We go about our lives not noticing....I want to notice...I want to live my life aware and caring. Thanks for this reminder to do just that. ☺

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  3. Charlotte,
    I have been focusing my prayers this week on love. Asking God to put an abundance of love in my heart...to love as Jesus does. Everywhere I turn I am getting confirmation that the Lord is hearing my prayers. He is showing me ways to love (as your post did), He is making my heart more tender toward others (besides my immediate family). Thank you for this timely post! God is ALWAYS on time.

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  4. I love this! It is SO true. Thanks so much for sharing these encouraging thoughts.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  5. Wonderful post, so very true.
    Thanks for sharing….
    Much Blessings
    Virginia

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  6. Great analogy, and you speak the truth. Thank you for reminding us to be more alert and caring.

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  7. Love the insight shown here. It's important to watch our plants and water them when they need it, but how much more important it is to pour a little love on someone who needs it. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  8. What a powerful post! Thank you for the insight and inspiration.

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  9. Oh, this is convicting. I will try to be observant when I am with my church tomorrow to see who needs "watering." Thanks for the boost.

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  10. What an important devotional! It's especially apt today when churches are bigger and people are busier than ever! And especially for those of us who may be more mobile - whether moving a lot, traveling a lot, caregiving so perhaps missing a lot, etc. Definitely good food for thought! Thank you.

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  11. This was a great post. Your Scripture verse was so meaningful. Have a blessed day.

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  12. What a wonderful and oh so true post! Not only can this happen to people but also our Spiritual Walk. If we don't stay near the LIVING Water and IN HIS WORD then we will wither and die and our spiritual walk will be dead!

    Great word!! Thank you so much

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  13. p.s. ~ I am your newest follower! Hope you can come by and visit me! Looking forward to knowing you more!

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  14. What a wonderful post and so true. We do need to pay attention to those around us. I will do this!
    Be blessed sweet friend!

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  15. Beautiful post. Yes we need to water our 'garden's'

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  16. This was the perfect analogy Charlotte, and something we overlook at our church. Thank you for the reminder today to seek out those I haven't seen at church lately.

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