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The warmer weather of recent days has been a real tonic. From ‘the Office’ in the manse, I can see the bird bath in the garden which has been providing much refreshment to our many visitors, of the feathered variety! It is a delight to watch sparrows (‘two a penny’!), starlings, crows and finches pausing to ‘refuel’ between sorties, attracted; “As cold water to a thirsty soul” (Proverbs 25.25.) Water is vital to all life, so pictures of the barren and dusty nature of the planet Mars that we have witnessed in the news recently, reminds us of the need to be thankful and prudent with our use of this life-perpetuating gift.
It is hardly surprising then that our Scriptures so frequently use water as a powerful symbol of God’s providence, especially in the often arid regions of the Holy Land. Here, the prophet Isaiah could readily inspire with powerful words such as: “Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isa 55). Jesus also used the symbolism of water in his teaching – “Whoever drinks the water I give him, will never thirst” (John 4 vs 13 – 15) Perhaps the latter is of particular interest to the residents of Findhorn for whom the installation of new water mains will improve the quality and reliability of this vital commodity!
Mind you, one in six people in the developing world don’t have access to safe water and 5,000 children die every day from water-related diseases! £15 could enable one person in the developing world to gain access to a lasting supply of safe water, sanitation and hygiene education! So in appreciation of the new system in Findhorn, how about donating to the Charity WaterAid? Contact the Fundraising Team on 0207 793 4949 or tapintowateraid@wateraid.org.
‘Behold I freely give the living water, thirsty one, stoop down and drink and live!’ May God bless you and yours. - Duncan
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