“As a deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you, O God”
Thirst is a powerful image to describe longing. During hot days, after a long run, or eating salty peanuts, nothing quenches thirst like a long drink of cool water.
The writer of psalm 42 uses the image of a deer panting for water to describe a spiritual thirst for God’s presence. This Sunday, we will baptize baby Finn, to welcome him into our church family. Water used at baptism symbolizes God’s abundantly flowing grace and the living spirit of Jesus.
During the summer we may have opportunities to spend time at lake cottages, by the sea, traveling canals in Port Severn or Venice, or hanging out at our local beach. We may use back yard pools, community pools, or run through sprinklers. When we find ourselves beside water, let us send out a prayer of thanks for water, symbol of God’s grace quenching our spiritual thirst. When we use water, let us remember to conserve water use so others around the world will have enough.
Wherever we may find ourselves, let us give thanks for blessings, as well as seek justice. Just as our spiritual thirst can be quenched, so we can quench the thirst of others.
Shalom,
Abigail
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