Water Ways

Here in Pittsburgh with our three rivers and many creeks and lakes and streams we know the work and wonder and play of water. It is true that we are drawn to water. We vacation at the ocean, we spend an afternoon near the banks of lakes and ponds, and water supports our industry.

Water, that most precious of resources is so essential to life --- water: bathe, wade, quench, sip, gulp, wash, splash, dive, refresh, sustain.

The global community celebrated WORLD WATER DAY earlier this weekend. For over 750,000 citizens of our shared world, water is a scarce resource. Thousands of women walk several miles each day to gather water for the cooking, cleaning, watering of crops and livestock. They endure years-long droughts. Companies intervene and stake claim to water-ways and place fees on what once was free-flowing.

Here, in the United States we tend to take water for granted. When thirsty, we turn on the spigot or reach in the fridge for a plastic bottle of water. What must three-fourths of the world think about that? With little a thought or concern of if the water will be there, we take our showers, brush our teeth, wash our dishes, even fill-up balloons and squirt guns for water battles. Last summer's drought that baked the midwest shocked us with the apocalyptic-tinged images of miles upon miles of withered, shrunken, burnt acres of corn or the cracked rows of rutted dirt. However, the initial shock quickly passed and the heavy snowfalls of this winter have thankfully filled the water table.

Today, in the many ways you will use water...first....pause. Think. Reflect on this most precious of resources. Consider what it must be like for the thousands who must walk and work for the water we receive so easily.

For an additional exercise, in the readings and reflections and remembrances of this Holy Week, look for the role that water plays in these stories. If not mentioned directly in the text, consider how water was present and what it lends to the story.

Water...the very start of our creation begins there.

sj;

A spring in your step

Yes, there were snow flurries yesterday.

Yes, I am still wearing gloves and a tossel cap.

Yes, the furnace still runs regularly.

Yet, according to the calendar IT IS SPRING!

Simply writing those words or saying them provides an energy, a boost.

Spring is here and soon the words written and proclaimed will be evidenced in green grass, flowers in bloom, warm temperatures, and baseballs in play.
The season of spring is something we anticipate each year and is one whose signs we mark easily. Already, the days grow longer and robins are hopping in the yards where flowers are coming to bloom. Of course, if we get snow those blooms will frost…yet, I digress….spring is here!

There is the season we mark by calendar and time. So to, there is the season of the spirit that we mark by a change in attitude, a new way of being, and a renewal.
This spring season I encourage you to claim newness. The resolutions that never took flight, try again.

This is a season of coming to life!

This is a season of energy released!

This is a season of hope!

Claim it!

sj;

Bathtubs, Bedrooms, and Big Deals

Since the election of Pope Francis there has been an understandable and warranted appreciation of the new pope's humility. He is very genuine. Personally, I am still impressed that upon meeting the crowds he first asked for their blessing....and paused....he paused a long while...because he meant it!

This man who is in a position of great prominence and prestige chooses to dress simply (as simply as a pope can dress) and stay humble. I'm sure in his home country of Argentina folks are already placing historical markers in his home and on the bus he rode to work. Pope Francis probably would not approve.

It's a contrast between how we Americans do the fame game and especially where presidents are concerned. Let's be honest, be you R or D, it takes a significant ego to think of one's self as having the ability to be President. I think our culture lends to this by our "George Washington Slept Here" phenomena.

I'm referring to the various inns, hotels and homes that have a marker informing all visitors that the first president of the United States once bunked in that very place for a night or two. Of course, in Pennsylvania those claims are many. Goerge and his horse got around.

This weekend I was in Bedford County and was shown an old building where the native Bedfordian told me that "George Washington did indeed sleep there." However, the landmark of even greater presidential significance was found in Berkeley Springs, WVA which is home to the famous Berkely hot springs and commerce surrounding said hot springs and Roman-style baths. (I laid down some cash for the experience and I have to say it is well worth it.)

According to the town events calendar, this past weekend marked the celebration of "George Washington Bath" day. I'm serious.

Yes, as the photo attests, they have a small, rock-laid, rectangular bath filled by the area's hot springs and according to journal accounts from George himself, he did, indeed, come there to bathe in the soothing, wonder-working waters of Berkely Springs.

It begs the question, what is our fascination with the sleeping, bathing, eating, and transportation habits of the famous and powerful?

All I know is, after my experience in the Roman baths at Berkely Springs I had a strange hankering to hatchet down a cherry tree.