A Cold Drink of Water

My morning devotional sparked a memory. I can see my daddy sitting at the kitchen table in his barrel-shaped chair, equipped with coasters. It was the most common location for family visits, gathered around the kitchen table, sharing a drink or snack. Perhaps Daddy was sweaty after a summer afternoon chore, still wearing his over the ankle work boots that were worn to a rounded smoothness. Using his feet, he would roll his chair over to the refrigerator and reach inside for a narrow, pale-yellow plastic container filled with water. That was Daddy's jug. He would lean back, lift the jug to his lips and drink in a refreshing swig or two of cold water. I can almost see him smile in gratitude. He loved sweet tea, too, but nothing could beat the effect of a good gulp of water.

When Daddy was still farming actively, Mama would fill a washed gallon milk jug halfway with water and put it in the freezer. When Daddy was heading out to the field on his tractor, Mama would fill the jug up with water and send him on his way. The ice would keep the water cold until he would come back to the house for lunch or supper. Usually, the jug would be empty when he brought it back in.

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land," (Proverbs 25:25 NIV).

I always smile as I think of my friend, Ann, saying she was ready for an "icy cold drink" on a hot afternoon in the office, or on a summer shopping excursion. Our thirst would always be quenched soon after hearing her phrase as we all became enchanted by the thought of that 'icy cold drink'.

Whether the drink of water comes from a cold flowing mountain stream, the depths of a deep well on the farm, or from a convenient in-door dispenser of your refrigerator, the refreshment of a cold drink of water brings delight and satisfaction to the soul.              

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life," (Revelation 22:17 NIV).

May you be blessed by the quenching of a cold drink of water today, and may it remind you of Jesus' ever-available gift of life. Thank you, Lord Jesus.