Journey to the never-dried-up well #6

The Drinking must exceed the draining-

so our thirst is quenched, there is a satisfaction in our souls, and so we are plumped and healthy.

Pushing fifty, I was informed that my skin needs more moisture, not less. I come to see this is true in the maturation of souls too. Maturing souls do not need less, they often need more. Not more of the same, but more that will penetrate deeper, more that nourish from the roots.

I have been living through some immense pains these few years. You would think with age and life experience, life gets smoother. Not necessarily. I have felt like my lush leaves have been ripped, my fruits picked or left to rot, and more recently, my very trunk is struck and a gash is now visible.

I have grasped for the falling fruit, panicked over the drooping branches, and grieved over how the tree of my life seem to be threatened with extinction (yes, I am a unique tree, as are you).

But I have been planted next to a stream (or in our journey, a well).. And as I lose water through tears, my roots are being flushed and nourished... I found fresh strength return. I did not wilt. There are buds. Birds still come by and sing their happy song among my small branches.

Psalm 1
A tree planted firmly by the water,
Which yields its fruit in its season,
Its leaf does not wither,
And in whatever he does, he prospers

This is my tiny tree-life through His eyes. 
I confess it does not feel or look like this to me; of earthly wisdom.
But these words come after an observation of such a life: she is careful who she listens to, she chooses her company with caution, and she does not hang around those who are cynical and  and compromise. 

does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers

These few years I witness the blessing of purification as I am warned by the Holy Spirit precisely not to be uprooted, drained, deadened even as my heart and mind whimper, protest, cringe and plain suggest sin. I am blessed and planted more firmly when I refuse these voices and temptations. Instead, as I turn to the Word and hunger for truth-answers ....

his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

Then i notice it. While the struggles are real, the strength and resilience are just as real - and they feel certainly like they came from beyond me. 

This river, this well, this spring ... has a name, a face, a glory, and a goodness. He is waiting for you.