Late last night, our neighborhood received a “water boil advisory” because a main water line broke. With fears of contaminated water, we all boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth (and of course for morning coffee!) I quickly realized we didn’t possess any stock of bottled water in the house. Naturally, I woke up thinking about whether our home counts as “disaster ready.” During some years, we prepared better with flashlights and batteries, stored food and water, and all the things recommended for our disaster kit.
I’m definitely replenishing my kit this week.
Disaster readiness also makes me think of my spiritual life and how I’m preparing for unexpected events with the maturity, scripture memorization, and knowledge of God to care for myself and others in times of need. Disaster readiness spiritually means we dwell on and believe the attributes of God, our citizenship in heaven, and on the meaning of suffering as part of our sanctification. It means we are that “non-anxious presence” (as my mentor prays for me to be!) in the lives of others who suffer and experience fear. Finally, disaster readiness means we continually live out Spirit-filled lives and depend on the wisdom, comfort, and peace of the Holy Spirit.
Meanwhile, I’m eager to get to campus where there’s safe water to drink. I want to be near the right kind of water, just as we can direct people to the Living Water when the time comes. I’m taking the advisory to heart.
What you’re drinking is not safe! Let me help you find the Living Water!