With a passing glance so much can be overlooked. Deep wells full of abundant springs are untapped for a momentary taste of a much lesser dew.
Many years ago in a fly-by reading of the verse referenced in this image, one I took while hiking the Holy Cross Wilderness area in Colorado in 2008, my interpretation went something like this:
“Mind your P’s and Q’s. Be careful not to sin. Behave yourself. Be a good guy. When it is all said and done, you will get a reward. Albeit, in the hereafter.”
The fly-by version seems to be lacking. As a deep spring cracks the ground, there is so much more water beneath the surface.
We are instructed to “watch over our hearts”.
The implication is one monitoring and protecting all that comes in contact with our very being – our thoughts, words, the actions of others, what we receive, and what we choose to discard.
Being “diligent” in “watching over our hearts” – will allow springs of LIFE to flow!
The image is one of radar screen detecting all that enters the vision field.
How might a healthier version of “watching over our hearts” play out vs. a “do this – don’t do that” dry creek bed?
- Getting enjoyment from listening to a great music score – like I am doing as I write this!
- Finding pleasure in the antics of your children or grandchildren.
- Soaking in the colors of a sunrise or sunset.
- Being grateful for a good report from the doctor on your last check-up.
- Listening to a toddler call your name…over and over and over!
- Reading a good book.
- Being in the woods whether you get your buck or not.
- Rejecting some negative crap that another wants to heap on you.
- Taking five without feeling guilty and enjoying it!
- Giving into a nap on any given day to recharge your batteries.
- Having the nerve to say “no” to some activities or requests made of you.
The possibilities are endless. The rewards are life giving.
It is not about “do this” and “don’t do that“.
It is about finding places where life is allowed to enter – places where fresh air is allowed to enter your lungs or respites that allow you to drink from a thirst quenching well.
Ones that then connect you back to the One who is the Author of Life!
I have left too many moments slip by. I did not see the value in taking a momentary drink from a life giving well.
Adios amigo – no longer!
Can I be so bold as to encourage you to seek one moment, TODAY, where you can stop for a moment to drink from this well?
How can you “guard your heart” in ways that produce a “life giving flow”?
Excellent Bruce! It fits so beautifully with much of what we talked about. It’s part of what I call rest and reboot – taking that moment to allow yourself to breathe and fill your heart with joy and peace. Those are like the best cardiac “vitamins” ever! As always, you touched on something deep and foundational to really living our lives.
Drink and drink deeply Ann! Enjoy your day at the well!
Bruce
Refreshing way to start the day by reading this.
Jen
Really appreciate the warm words in a cold day