New Spring, New Rain…
September marked the start of Spring here in Melbourne but in Melbourne, the start of any season is never that clear cut.
This past winter proved to be one of the wettest winters Melbourne has experienced in the last few years. While most urbanites were complaining about the inconvenience of a wet winter, my farmer friends were rejoicing at the excessive amount of rainfall that their plots of land were receiving this year. Even in the middle of Spring, we experienced weeks of heavy rain and wind.
So what is the big deal?
From my discussions with friends who are farmers, I have come to understand that each adult, on average, consumes around 100 litres of water a day for general consumption, kitchen use, bathroom use, laundry and other functions. Farmers in the country-side take water conservation very seriously as they have to survive mainly on rainwater collected throughout the year. On top of human consumption, these farmers have to factor in their livestock and agricultural needs. I was told that a 600kg cow can consume up to 250 litres of water a day. Just imagine how much water they would need if they had 50 cows and calves on the paddock!
Due to global warming, there have been years when drought and forest fires put these farmers at a high risk where property, livestock and human lives could be lost.
Why is this important ?
Growing up in Singapore during the 70’s, we had fresh, unfiltered running water at our disposal. Many-a-time, I admit that I have been guilty of taking water for granted. We, humans, can survive for about 2 to 3 weeks without food but after 3 to 5 days without water, we will experience dehydration and our body systems will rapidly deteriorate. This demonstrates just how important water is for our daily survival.
Water brings life to everything – from our basic subsistence, to our hygiene, to the ecological system.
When it comes to scripture, I can’t help but notice the water references in Jesus’s teachings. He often uses water as a metaphor in relation to life. Today’s farmers still understand the critical importance of water but us, urbanites, may not realize how blessed we are to have easy, unlimited access to water. This convenience with which we attain water has more often than not, led us to wasting water instead of cherishing it.
As I ponder on this, I feel called to heighten my awareness of how important water is to life.
John 4:14
Jesus said whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.
Mark 1:8
I have baptised you with water, but He will baptised you with the holy spirit.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God
John 10:10
… I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
These scriptures have impacted my personal life. As I equate water to the Holy Spirit, I have learnt that our lives cannot be sustained by earthly things or modern conveniences as these could sometimes lead to the ignorance of heavenly things.
If physical water sustains life, how much more will the Holy Spirit sustain us? It is clear in John 10:10 that Jesus came to give life to the fullest. John 7:38 clearly says, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Perhaps today, as we change our perspectives on how we treat the daily use of water, we will similarly be transformed in the way we honour the Holy Spirit, our sustainer of life!
Deanna married to John is a stay-at-home-mom to 3 children and currently based in Melbourne, Australia. A former staff of COOS, Deanna loves to create art, enjoys experimental cooking and is an enthusiastic organic gardener who dreams of one day using creative therapy and food to reach out to the marginalized throughout Australia. You can follow her on Instagram @deefatfarm or @weareakrylic
