The Well

Today's lectionary had a common theme of water. I tried to find a poem I wrote several years ago that starts:

"From the source the river flows,
and all around it beauty grows"

I can remember those opening lines clearly, but the remaining lines may be lost. Maybe that's all it's meant to be now. But in my notebook I found another poem, still with water as its theme.

The Well

I put in my bucket
and raised it up -
But the bucket was empty,
There was no water inside.

The people beside me
held their cups to their lips,
They walked away nourished
and smiled as they left

Again I put in my bucket -
Lowered it further than before
I tested its weight as I raised it,
There was no water to be seen!

Quickly, I put my bucket back into the well -
Now it was an issue of pride!
Others were able to fill their cup
I wanted mine filled too!

Then a man came and asked me for water!
"Perhaps, sir, you should ask someone else
My bucket is empty, I have no water to give
You'll be disappointed - I have nothing to share."

But the man urged that I draw water again.
"Close your eyes and take your need," he offered
"Down into the well of my soul."
And there, I found, my cup was filled.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, let us thirst for your righteousness and be filled by your spirit. When we think we having nothing to offer, remind us of your power to transform. O God, you are our source, and all around you, beauty grows. Amen.