“On that day a fountain shall be opened…” - Zechariah 13:1
Over the past couple of weeks, I was given an opportunity to slow down, look around, recover, and reflect a bit on where I’ve been as well to consider some possible new way/s ahead. The regional board and staff have been kind to support this type of endeavor. I think many can relate how easy it can be to become swept up into a schedule that can dehumanize ones sense of self. I have been reading: In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honoré. He quotes, Milan Condera’s 1996 Novela on Slowness, “When things happen too fast nobody can be certain about anything, anything at all, not even, about (their) self.” Carl Honoré does not attempt an argument against our advance/s brought on by hard work. Although, he argues that much can be missed when we speed everything up. It is hard not to live with a sense that everything around us, our society, organizations, people and even, churches are moving faster. What do you think?
Last week, I heard a presenter say when we are faced with death, our priorities and sense of urgencies change. Zechariah Chapter 12 ends with a promised “spirit of compassion and supplication…when they look on the one whom they have pierced.” When we are faced with the most difficult of circumstances and hard decisions there is a spirit that is poured out for us. I don’t pretend it will always cause you to slow things down. Although, compassion and supplication will lead you to be more tender, with everything and everyone around you. I can attest that my little bit of time off was revelatory, and fostered lots to share with you.
While shopping I came across an Interactive Fountain in Chino, CA. Those who live nearby might be familiar with this place. Fountains are sources to quench our thirsts, they can be fashioned into jets of water to provide an aesthetic for inspiration, reflection, and pleasure. Zechariah used this word as a place for believers to cleansed, changed, and renewed from the snares in life. To my surprise, Chino, built a fountain that is interactive. As I sat by this fountain, I could contemplate, study, learn, pray and others could sip a cup of coffee or cold beverage, engage in conversation, and relax. Still more, could bring theirselves and children to be refreshed from the heat, to play, and share in the joy of childlike laughter from being changed. I don’t know if Zechariah imagined this kind of fountain to be opened for the people of God. But, I hope you’ll find some time to slow down, to be open for the spirit of compassion and supplication (prayer). I wonder if we might open a Digital Interactive Fountain for each other around the region. Maybe, this Interactive Fountain could too refresh your soul, help you to become empowered and changed to face the everyday. Drop us a comment about your thoughts and experience in the blog.
Blessings,
Richie