Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again,

John 4:13-15

Monday afternoon, having spent a little extra time at my parents’ house than expected, I pulled out the vacuum intending to work my way around the house. But then I stepped outside to retrieve a package from the front stoop and realized taking a long walk with Mr. Max was a much better idea.

What a beautiful afternoon! 46-degrees, sun shining, not a cloud in the sky. Why haul a vacuum around the house when it is so inviting outside? So many words come to mind: invigorating, refreshing, exhilarating, rejuvenating, energizing, healing, revitalizing, restoring, rehabilitating, reclaiming…

There are more words, of course, but already I see the progression toward terms associated with the work of the Spirit. In fact, one of my favorite spirit words fits in here too – “inspire.” Inspire means, literally, to inhale life-giving air. And this is what God does, God fills me up.

There is a lot going on right now, and I am responsible for things – and people – in ways I had not anticipated at this stage of my life. So it is important that I pause every so often (like I did with our friends on the lake this past weekend), and open myself to inspiration.

This is a good way to think about faith, that we literally breathe in God. Every day.

This is beyond mindful, it is soul-full.

Peace – DEREK