Some of our excursions through town take my husband and me past a fountain called The Muse. In summer, water gently spills from the lovely maiden’s hands while a ring of water-arches play at her feet. But even in winter her graceful form draws attention.
Downtown a much grander, three-level fountain, Genius of Water, doesn’t just draw attention—the size demands it. In place of the mild flow of The Muse, streams of water plummet from the outstretched hands of a nine-foot woman. Below her, fountains shoot plumes of water upward, and lower yet streams cascade into a pool.
I love fountains, don’t you? Perhaps it’s the “calming call of splashing water reminding us to relax and breathe amidst our busy days’ distractions” (1).
Perhaps it’s their appeal to four out of five of our senses, beginning with their sound of peaceful, liquid-music. But fountains are usually lovely to behold as well:
(Buckingham Fountain in Chicago,
often listed among the most beautiful in the world.)
And who can resist wading in a fountain’s pool—if allowed—which includes the sense of touch?
(The Pineapple Fountain, Charleston, SC)
Sometimes on hikes through state and national parks we’ve discovered cold, natural-spring fountains. Nothing tastes sweeter after a long trek.
And because of their delights, it’s not surprising that a psalmist turned to fountains for a lovely metaphor:
Perhaps he chose plural form because we enjoy a constant flow of so many wonders :
- God’s attributes into our lives—his love, grace, mercy, and goodness
- Countless gifts—like peace, joy, comfort, and blessings
- Empowerment from God, including strength to persevere, patience to endure, and the Holy Spirit to guide
All that refreshes is from God.
And then he offers us a gratifying privilege. We get to be revitalizing fountains in the lives of others.
What might that look like—or in this case, sound like? No doubt, encouragement, comfort, and wisdom should be included.
Words of Encouragement
“Correction does much,
but encouragement does more.”
–Johann Wolfang von Goethe
One day after school, the father of one of our previous students stopped in the classrooms of my fourth grade colleagues and me. His purpose? To tell us we were the dream team. His fifth grade son was flourishing and this dad wanted to thank us for the sound preparation the boy had received.
We hung onto his statement from that moment forward. Every time we became overwhelmed, distraught, or discouraged, we’d remind each other: “Wait a minute–we’re the dream team!”
Just four words, but flowing with life.
Words of Comfort
What an honor God’s given us to speak his comfort and contribute to that overcoming Helen Keller spoke of—words such as these:
- “I am so sorry.”
- “I wish I knew the perfect words to ease your pain, but please know I hate that you are facing these circumstances.”
- “You are constantly in my thoughts.”
- “This is my prayer for you…”
It doesn’t have to be profound; just heartfelt.
Words of Wisdom
One time when I hit a rough patch, God brought to mind a friend who’d endured cancer—twice. The words, “Why me?” had never left her lips. Instead she asked, “Why not me?” and trusted God to bring good out of the suffering.
My circumstances didn’t begin to compare with her cancer diagnosis. If M. could trust God through her trial, I could certainly do the same.
There’s another phenomenon that occurs as we become fountains of life to others:
As God pours himself into us, we pour ourselves into others, and he receives honor and praise.
In the end, that’s the greatest satisfaction of fountain-living: to be for the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:12).
Notes:
- Matthew Williams, https://ndsmcobserver.com/2017/08/why-are-we-fascinated-by-fountains/
- Longfellow quote taken from “Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.”
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com (3); http://www.maxpixel.net; wwwlflickr.com; http://www.needpix.com (2); http://www.canva.com (2).
From the Inside Out 
Beautifully written post and I loved your photos as well!
Thank you, Pastor Pete! Praise God for his inspiration! The post began with that Proverb (10:11)., and grew from there. (Our church is reading and journaling through the book of Proverbs, a chapter a day, during the month of August.)
Well done, Nancy. As I read this Isaiah 49:15-16 came to mind and how our Lord never forgets us and even has our names imprinted on His hands. We, as His creations, are a sweet aroma and beautiful music to Him. I loved your imagery. It was so appropriate. Thanks for the encouraging post.
And thank you, Bill, for your encouragement. It IS mind-boggling to consider the attentive love of our Heavenly Father for each of us, as if there was only one of us (St. Augustine)!
Thanks, Nancy, this meditation was a refreshing fountain for me.
Oh, I’m so glad! Thank you for stopping by, Pastor Mike!
As a young mom I heard an inner city church where our friend played bass raising the roof one evening with praise from Psalm 87. Your post vividly brought that glorious worship experience back. What a gift! Thank you, Nancy. “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.'”
So glad this post rekindled a holy worship-memory for you, Laurie! Praise God!
“Medicare for illegals?” Those are your words in Beauty Beyond Bones’ comments. What kind of racist are you?
It would be wonderful if we could provide free medical care for everyone on the planet, but that is an impossible dream. In addition, we already owe trillions of dollars which may very well catch up with us in the way of inflation, negatively impacting the economy. We must be fiscally responsible to avoid disaster.
Ummm, I wasn’t referring to the principle, but the nomenclature of “illegals.” Do you think your ancestors legally took the land they took? No, they killed native people. If anyone, you’re the “illegal.”
Beautiful Nancy! Thank you, Love, Prayers and Blessings to you and Steve!
Thank you back, Janet! So glad you found beauty here. You’ll be glad to know Steve is currently doing very well. So grateful for your prayers for him ever since his cancer diagnosis!
such enouragment. Thank you Nancy. I love all the wisdom of fountains. There is small fountain here at the retreat center that I have prayed by. Water is soothing.
Babbling water IS wonderfully soothing, I agree. And what a delightful idea–a prayer fountain, bringing to mind the constant flow of God’s gifts and attributes, in response to the requests made of him!
Wonderful
Thank you, Rajkkhoja!
Nancy, hi! And thanks for this refreshing invite to come to The Fountain often where our needs will be filled and our thirst quenched.
Weekend blessings to you …
So glad you found refreshment here, Linda. Praise God he does quench our thirst!
This was such an encouraging post. God is our fountain who refreshes us but we can reflect that and be that to those around us.
Thank you, Perth Girl! So glad you found encouragement here–praise God!
I don’t think I’ve ever thought of fountains as music but they really are! I pray that the nourishment I receive from God’s abundant fountains pours from me into others seeking Him. Lovely pictures and an edifying and refreshing entry to your blog, Nancy.
Thank you, Cheri. Your prayer is being answered as you minister to family and friends and those on social media. So glad you found edification and refreshment here, my friend! Praise God!
My mind carried me back to fond memories of your beautiful city! It was the fountain, that beautiful metaphor of the repeated filling of our souls with God’s grace that makes treasured memories and continues the cleansing and nourishment of our souls Thank you!
There IS much beauty to enjoy here in Cincy! And thank you, Susan, for adding your insight about repeated fillings of our souls at the fountain of God’s grace–for continuous cleansing and nourishment. Praise God his grace continues to flow (John 1:16)!