Could You Be a Refresher?
Sitting here in the comfort of a warm house, sipping hot tea, and watching the snow paint the fence posts all gorgeous white, I’m remembering a favorite trail that ascends to Broken Top in the Cascade Range.
On the return route, there was this stream. We lost no time in removing our hot, dusty boots. And I clearly recall the refreshing of the cold mountain brook as we soaked our tired feet.
Photo by Jake Ingle on Unsplash
Which caused me to reflect on the value of being like that creek, of being a refresher—someone who helps revive and replenish, who helps restore the strength and courage of someone else.
What would that look like?
I think it looks like offering to keep company with an Alzheimer’s patient. Volunteering at a place that provides hot meals or hot showers for those without adequate shelter. Mentoring a young person who is going through a time of uncertainty. Or inviting discouraged or bereaved people into our homes and listening well over a cup of Chai latte.
I love the concept of this ancient proverb:
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25
And then there’s the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to his friend, Philemon:
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” – Philemon 1:7
God is in the business of refreshing hearts, and he uses … well, people to be his hands and feet. Which means we followers of Christ are in the business alongside God of refreshing and watering others.
I want to be in tune with and obedient to God’s nudges toward the people around me who need refreshment. Toward those who need a phone call, a meal, an encouraging word written on a card that arrives in the mail. (You may have heard of it … handwriting, envelope, stamp?)
If we could be that cold mountain brook where people feel invited to remove their shoes and stay a while, if we could provide refreshment and sustenance, a listening ear, words of hope and courage—how great would that be?!
Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to see the people around us who need refreshing.
