December 10, 2009

December 10, 2009

Get Your Bucket, Honey!
Ron Buford is the Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ.

Excerpt from Isaiah 12:2-6

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Reflection by Ron Buford

Life is sometimes difficult. Here the ancient Hebrew writer gives us the key to surviving tough times -- when we lose someone we love or struggle financially, when our health fails, when people disappoint us or we disappoint others and ourselves, or when we must abandon a life-long dream. Whatever the challenge, this text reminds us to "with joy, draw water from the wells of salvation."

Joy is the bucket. It draws water from the wells of salvation. Joy is not inappropriate or senseless happiness, frivolity or complacency in tough times. It is hopeful remembrance of God's Presence and Power on our behalf as we recall survival with God through past tough times. Here, an active image of drawing water reminds us to keep moving forward, to keep hoping in God, listening for God, confident that we will eventually draw up real salvation -- real solutions for real living.

Does this mean that things will always turn out the way we'd like? No.

It does mean we choose to change dance partners -- from fear and negativity to dancing with the God of hope and perspective on all life's circumstances, with the One who gently whispers in our ear, guiding as we learn the steps, just in time. We are dancing with the One who can unfold any box and turn it into a dance floor . . . eventually.

So, get your bucket honey, draw up living water and then dance . . . dance . . . dance with God . . . today.

Prayer

Gracious God, like the Samaritan woman who had "issues" and encountered Jesus when she came to draw water from the well, Lord, we have issues. You inspired her to draw upon your living water within her. Recalling your innumerable gifts and actions throughout our lives, we gain confidence in your power for us this day. Thank you. Sharpen our recall. Strengthen our resolve to thrive, laugh, and dance again. Amen.