Watering Plants

It’s been a hot, dry summer.  I don’t remember sweating so much during June and July.  The heat has often felt oppressive and one look at our yard, even after the rain, is a reminder that we have been experiencing drought-like conditions.

We have a fine group of folks who take great care of FLC’s flowers.  They have been watering endlessly to make sure that our church’s landscaping remains colorful and vibrant.  I’ve done a little watering, too, both at church and at home.  We have a young tree at FLC that has needed extra attention and my wife’s flowers in the yard have required help as well. 

Nurturing faith can be a lot like watering plants.  The young almost always need care and attention because they have not lived enough life to be spiritually mature.  They have to be watered daily since their roots in the faith are not as deep as those of mature trees.  Sometimes, though, even older trees need help now and then, especially when there has been a long drought.

Your pastors want you to know that we are always available to talk with you if your spirit feels dry.  There are times when we know people are struggling when we see signs of spiritual stress.  Often, for example, that comes in the form of withdrawal from faith based activities or making comments that suggest something is troubling.  On the other hand, there are times when we simply do not know if a person’s spirit is dry because he or she is great at masking it very well.

Part of our calling is to preach, teach and talk about how Christ’s love is like a water-fall.  It can come from the sky, out of a hose or sprinkler, or over rocks and down a cliff.  It is powerful, constant and everflowing.   It can revive even the dryest spirit that feels like there is no hope for recovery.   In fact, we like to point out that you can even see a rainbow when the light is just right, arching through the air as if it were coming from nowhere!

Blessings to you during this hot summer.  Keep your eyes open to water the spirits of others.  And if you see someone who needs extra watering or need a little yourself, feel free to contact your pastors at any time.

Pastor Lehman