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 