13 Mar 06 114226018056913112

We were without running water yesterday for about four hours. There was a break in the water main which affected the entire county of Arlington. Four hours is not a long time. Unless of course the preacher has been saying “and one more thing” for the last four hours.

I was even tempted to think of our plight as dire and drastic. Each time my thoughts began flowing in that direction (dire and drastic) I made myself think of the Gulf states and how long they have been without running water. I made myself think of the places in the world where running water still is not a reality.

I thought of the church we are planting in a remote location in El Salvador - no running water. They are blessed to have a well on their property. You pump water out of the well for every liquid purpose. I thought of my friends in Mexico who have running water that is not safe to drink. Try showering with your mouth closed the entire time.

Why do I get worked up about going without water for a few hours and not be so concerned when I can go days without speaking to God or meditating on his word (for purposes other than sermon creation)?

Why do I get worked up about going without water for a few hours and not be so concerned when I can go months without giving up food to focus on the greater purposes of God?

Why do I get worked up about going without water for a few hours and not be so concerned with the periods of drought in my spiritual life?

There is no question I’m spoiled and take too many things for granted. Four hours of doing without is necessary with ever increasing regularity.