There was a natural spring on our small farm where I grew up. It was always one of my favorite places to hang out. It was fascinating to watch the clear, pure water bubble up through the sand. My father decided to enlarge the spring to increase the flow of water to give the cattle better access to the downstream pool. That process formed a natural bathtub-sized rock basin around the spring. It was a great place to get a drink on a hot summer day. It is a good memory.

All through the scriptures, there are stories and spiritual analogies involving water. Genesis 1:2 refers to the "Spirit of God moving over the surface of the water," and Revelation 22:17 "...let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

The first miracle that Jesus performed was at a wedding where he turned water into wine. John 2:1-11. Matthew 3:13-17 tells the story of Jesus's baptism by John in the Jordan River.

The Old Testament also contains numerous accounts of the significance of water. The story of Noah's ark, and Moses striking the rock twice, once in obedience and once in anger.

Psalm 1:3 speaks of the righteous man: "He will be as a tree firmly planted by the streams of water which yields fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and whatever he does he will prosper."

My mother made sure that my brothers and I, beginning at a young age, went to church. At the church we attended, Vacation Bible School was held during the summer. I remember that our class, on occasion, was visited by the pastor. On one such visit, we learned about baptism. After discussing this with my parents, I was baptized. I have never regretted it.

I have enjoyed fly fishing for many years. I appreciate the beauty of clear, flowing streams and find that they are good places for reflection and to find peace. The water falls especially.

There are many spiritually significant aspects concerning water, and it would be redundant to say life itself depends on it. So, whatever we do that involves water, even if it means washing the dishes, getting a drink, watering flowers, or something else, it might be a great time to say a prayer of thanksgiving for this essential element of life, water.

Thank you, Father, for water and all the healing and physical necessities it provides. And may we be aware of the spiritual analogies associated with water and those life lessons we find in your word. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Stephen Hankal

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.