As it once was

When we had our landscaping done several years ago, a water feature was a must have. While there was some disappointment with the final results, this water fall in my back yard was soothing for me. It was the perfect addition.

Through the years however, it has deteriorated. Some of the large rocks have shifted. The pump doesn’t seem to work as well as it should. There is a small leak in the lining. The trees behind the feature have died. And above all, all of the rocks have to be removed each year and scrubbed in order for the water to be clean and clear.

The best part of this little section of our backyard for my husband is when he is able to turn off the pump for winter.

As it looks today

This year, my husband had enough. He knew the difficulty of bringing this treasure back to the place it needs to be. So he did nothing with it. It has sat silent for nearly a year. And according to my husband, it will be silent until next year when he will tear the whole thing apart and rebuild the fountain (this is a huge undertaking and I pray that he is able to accomplish his goal).

My heart longed for the sound of water, so I asked if we could find a little fountain to place on our deck. We found a pretty little thing and for now, it is playing a beautiful melody for my soul.

The replacement

You may have seen something similar to this in your own life. You have something that isn’t quite perfect and in need of some repair, but you opt to go for the new, easier version.

Maybe it’s a possession, like a house or a car. Maybe it’s a job or relationship. Maybe it’s a marriage. Maybe it’s how you spend your time with Jesus.

Sometimes we take the easy way out when God is asking us to put a little muscle and hard work into the situation. If that’s the case, I would suggest you listen to what God has to say.

God knew that we would have difficulty with others. Maybe it’s the reason there are listings of ways we are to get along with one another. We are to love one another (1 John 4:7), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16), encourage one another (2 Corinthians 13:11), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), bear with and forgive one another (Colossians 3:13), offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9), and fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7) just to name a few.

To be honest, some of the items in this list can be difficult, but as a believer in Jesus Christ, I don’t have the option to pick and choose what I do and to whom I do it. As the new commercial states, “it doesn’t work that way.”

We are called to something higher than the world’s standard. We are called to be holy, because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We are called to be light in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to do what God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We are called to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). And these few verses are only part of our mission.

Oh it may be difficult. There may be a struggle. But when we are willing to do what God calls us to, He will provide all that we need to accomplish the task.

To be honest, I don’t know that our water feature will ever run again. It really will take a lot of hard work. But if it ever runs again, I will enjoy it all the more because of the sacrifice put into its restoration.

Maybe that’s why Jesus loves us so.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna