Fanny Pack of Water Bottles

Posted by lizzynighman on Sep 22, 2010 in Daily Bread | 2 comments

Walking on the trail, I get a kick out of runners with fanny packs filled with water bottles. Runners might just be going a few miles or so, but regardless, there are enough water bottles in tote for eight days. And do they even ever drink them? Never! They always are full even when they finish. When I was pregnant and too forgetful to bring a water bottle on my own walks, I lusted after their waters like a diet-stricken girl in a candy shop.

I think of the youth and their thirst for something more. It seems at this age, they really start to question this religion thing and what they really believe. They crave to find something that satisfies, sometimes looking to the constant texting or the “perfect” outfit or hairstyle as a means to fill this void. They start to not take what adults say as truth and seek it on their own. It’s a frightening thing to watch, yet seeing their determination to truly be satisfied in God is also quite beautiful. As adults (I make that category now, right?), we are always so prepared for life just like those runners on the trail. We have enough to keep the thirst at bay, but in actuality, we sometimes forget to take advantage of the endless supply we have in Christ. As I look at the youth, I search myself and find that I envy their open quest for anything that satisfies. I think- how different am I from them? I have this endless supply of thirst-satisfying communion with God through prayer and communication with Him. Am I tapping into it? Am I letting Him fill me up, or am I not taking advantage of the water bottles I have on this long journey?