​If You Water It, They Will Come

Written by ​Janet Mueller - Heartland Church of Fort Wayne

I didn’t expect to see him squatting there with his green and brown spotted coat blending in with the still damp soil and tiny weed sprouts.  I had come to the gardens early in the day in search of red, juicy tomatoes for a salad lunch later. 

“Well, hello there, little frog,” I murmured.  “What brings you out this morning?” 

Then I remembered how I had watered the garden last night, and the plants and soil were still moist.  It’s been a long, hot, dry spell in northern Indiana.  We haven’t seen a good rain in days, and the lawn is sun bleached and brittle.  The vegetable and flower gardens with their bright greenery stand in stark contrast as they get watered nearly every day.  Naturally, the frog set up shop where there was a source of water and refreshment. 

I thought back to yesterday morning as I peeked out the kitchen window, the first rays of the sun promising another steaming, scorching day.  The gardens were full of birds.  They flitted in and out, disappearing momentarily among the green beans and bell pepper plants.  Cardinals, sparrows, robins, and finches with little mincing steps danced choreographically in and out of the garden for this audience of one.  Tiny droplets of water lingering on the plants washed over their feathers.  This was their way of taking a morning shower, I surmised. 

“If you water it, they will come,” the words sifted down upon my mind.  “The water is intended for the plants, but others benefit from and depend upon it especially in the drought seasons.” 

Ah, yes.  I see where this is going…it’s our lives, our parched souls, our desperate need of living water.  Intentional, daily watering (worship, meditating on Scripture, practicing the presence of God) is necessary for any hope of fruit.  But something we might not consider is the secondary by-product of this watering.  Others nearby, namely our spouses, children, friends, and strangers alike, all benefit, too.  When we are well watered, others are drawn to us as we bring refreshment to them. 

As I reached for a tomato, my little spotted visitor hopped away.  I breathed a prayer, “Father, when the heat is on and souls are withering, help us live in such an intentional way that when anyone comes near us, they come under the influence of living water.” 

“The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.  Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.”  (Isaiah 58:11,12 NLT)