The early Spring garden was coming to life: the crocuses were opening their pedals to the sunshine, the stems of the daffodils getting taller. Evidence was plain that the squirrels had been busy over the Fall and Winter months. In the Fall, I had planted the bulbs in a neat line, alternating clumps of daffodil bulbs and crocus bulbs. The busy squirrels dug many of them up, moved them around, to the result of crocus on one side and daffodils to another. I laughed quietly to myself – they had done a nice job of creating bursts of color in a way I would not have thought of!
With a pang of guilt I looked at the drooping plant by the windows in the study. Its leaves hung limply, slightly curling inward. I had forgotten to water it that morning.
I filled the watering can, and gave the parched plant a deep drink. Within a couple of hours, it had revived, its broad leaves raised and open to catch the sunlight coming through the windows.
Watching the plant perk up reminded me of the conversation Jesus had with the Samaritan Woman at the well.
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
A gentle reminder to me, when I’m spiritually feeling like that drooping plant, that there is One who can satisfy the deep thirst in me. Jesus, offering us Living Water, to fill us with his grace and Spirit.
Making breakfast one morning, I thought I heard the toaster oven “Bing”. I opened the door, and discovered the bread wasn’t cooked at all. Thinking I hadn’t actually turned the timer on, I mindfully turned it to the light toast setting and heard the clicking of the timer. Satisfied I would have toast in two minutes, I went about preparing the oatmeal. At the “Bing!” I again opened the toaster oven door. Again the bread wasn’t toasted.
This was a bit frustrating because this was a brand new toaster oven. Second time using it. It couldn’t have broken so easily.
I did the usual troubleshooting. Checked all the knob settings. Checked power…
It was then I discovered the plug lying on the counter. Apparently, the timer was mechanical; the heating element needed power to make the toast.
I plugged in the toaster oven, turned the timer knob again, and soon enjoyed toast with breakfast.
At times, our relationship with God can be like that unplugged toaster oven. We make noise, as the timer did, but without the connection to the power of God we don’t have the true closeness to Jesus; we don’t get the results God would want us to have.
Connect to God: Be still. Pray. Talk with Jesus as a friend. Let God’s Peace and the power of God’s Spirit fill you.
Seeing God in the Ordinary 