Fragrant water from the chalice of God.

By: Carole L. Haines

As we prayed, a vision began to form in my mind of a see through vase. It was soiled with dirt and hardened residue from the last flowers to occupy it. It must be softened before it can be removed, I thought. Then a beautiful chalice filled with fragrant waters came down from above and slowly began to pour its contents into the soiled vase. The dirt loosened and swirled as it was caught in the current of the stream flowing from above. I thought, “Good! Now it can sit there and soak a bit before I scrub it.”  But the pitcher continued to pour and the contents of the vase were displaced, the new pushing out the old, with all of it’s hardened residue and filth. “Good”. I thought, “Now I can begin to scrub the inside of the vase.”

But to my amazement, all the contents had been flushed clean, no residue remained. The oily mess was washed away and replenished by refreshing, fragrant water from the chalice of God. Now I can turn my heart to uplifting and refilling this beautiful vase, now sparkling and ready to receive new blooms from the tired August Garden just outside my door.” Now I can give these weary plants a new life, and a drink of nourishing water. I just marvel as I watch them grow and begin a new journey into the golden strands of Fall.

²⁵ My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.
²⁶ I have told of my ways, and You have answered me. Teach me Your statutes.
²⁷ Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
and I will meditate on Your wonders.
²⁸ My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.
²⁹ Remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Your Law.
³⁰ I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your judgments before me.
³¹ I cling to Your testimonies; Lord, do not put me to shame!
³² I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will enlarge my heart…
⁷⁴ May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word.
⁷⁵ I know, Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that You have afflicted me in faithfulness.
⁷⁶ May Your favor comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant.
⁷⁷ May Your compassion come to me so that I may live,
For Your Law is my delight…Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget Your statutes…The unfolding of Your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
(Psalm 119:25-32, 74-77, 83, 130)