A Dry Spell

I've been going through a bit of a dry spell lately. Can't seem to find my footing, can't seem to get motivated and I can't seem to get interested in anything. Have you ever felt like that? Something is missing and you can't put your finger on it?

It began sometime after my 2nd son graduated and I had to deal with the truth that he would be heading off to college. Of course I'm proud of him and am excited for him, but it makes me think of the way life keeps moving forward and that it won't be too much longer before all three are gone and I'm left behind. It's had a strange way of making me feel useless, tired, and dried up.

I took my dried up husk of a self out to do some back to school shopping and I witnessed something that spoke to me and could potentially change the way I attack this dry spell. We'd had a bit of rain the night before, much needed rain, and here and there puddles were still visible. In one of these puddles, approximately 10 Canadian Geese were sitting and they looked to be enjoying themselves immensely. It was right by the side of one of the busiest roads around Manassas, but they weren't concerned with the busyness less than 6 feet from them, they were plopped in the water, as though they were sponges soaking up every last drop.

Hmmm...I had to think about this. What could I learn from some silly old geese who were feeling kind of parched and in need of a pick me up? Why had God drawn my attention to them and immediately brought to mind the way I had been feeling lately? Geese in a puddle used as a teaching tool...kinda wild but perfectly sensible in a way.

So, I decided I need to look for the small ways to beat the drought. Find the puddles rather than the raging waterfalls, the sips rather than the gulps, the brief shower, rather than the deluge...and I'll find that sufficient to see me through. In my gratitude journal, which I've been keeping this summer, I made a note of the dry and dusty geese and thanked the Lord for pointing me in their direction and for the small things He's going to bring my way as encouragement.

Having your own dry spell? Look for the little things and turn your face up to the One who provides the life giving water. One puddle at a time.