The two phrases that drive me up the wall are “Is it hot
enough for you” and “Is it cold enough for you”. This past weekend, Natalie and
I had the honour to attend a wedding for a wonderful couple. We were in Banff
and the weather was amazing albeit a tad warm. As we were arriving at the
location, the temperature, according to the truck thermometer, was already in
the high twenties. By the time we had finished setting up and the service was
about to begin, we were into the high thirties. We were outdoors on an open
field with only the tents to provide relief from the heat. I had thought well
ahead and decided to wear my khaki kilt, Kathy, the mother of the bride, and Natalie
had on light dresses but poor Mark had pants, dress shirt and a tie. The only
relief he got from the sun was the fedora that provided some shade for him.
Needless to say, there was a significant amount of water being consumed and moist
napkins were a necessity. The wedding went off without a single hitch and there
were no cases of heat stroke and, in the end, the heat will long be forgotten
but the joy of the day is forever etched in our memories.
Now, the wedding was complete, the celebration continued for
the younger crowd and we helped the now exhausted parents get settled in their
new hotel room in Canmore. I brought the bags into the room and felt immediate relief
as the freezing cold air of the air-conditioner gripped a hold of me. We helped
them get settled but I really did not want to leave but realized the restaurant
we were heading to was air-conditioned as well. Once seated, the waitress asked
us for our drink order and we all said the same thing, a big pitcher of ice
water and please keep it coming. You don’t realize just how refreshing and
comforting a tall glass of ice water can be. We all rejoiced as the body
absorbed the life refreshing moisture and the coolness began to lower our body temperatures.
With bodies refreshed and minds made clearer by the rehydration, we settled in
for a great meal and wonderful conversation. This brings to mind the healing power
of the Living Water, Jesus Christ. While our bodies scream out for the life
sustaining water on a blistering hot day, our souls also scream out for the life
sustaining Living Water that is our Lord and Saviour. While the world races
around trying to find just the right source of fulfillment from a variety of
sources, Jesus offers the perfect, life refreshing solution.
Jesus replied, “Anyone
who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the
water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring
within them, giving them eternal life.”
“Please, sir,” the woman said,
“give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come
here to get water.” John 4:13-15 NLT
When the promises of the world dry up, the promise of Christ
never fades. He offers so much and asks so little in return. I would offer this
up; be like the woman at the well, ask Christ to cleanse you and refresh you
with abundant living water so that you never thirst again.
This week, our team is back together again and we celebrate
a fresh start to the summer. The Board of Directors for MAF voted all in favour
that masks are personal choice in accordance with the AHS Protocols but still
ask that if you are feeling ill, watch us online until you are feeling better. We
invite you to join us either in person at 10:30 AM Sunday or online at:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment