It was 100 degrees in the shade. It was so hot, we sweat when we smiled. Minnesotans were not prepared for these extreme temperatures. The trees that this new housing development built on a former garbage dump were small, so shade was scarce. Our project was to build 12x12 houses for families just outside Reynosa, Mexico. Today, our wood supplies had arrived so we began to build the floor platforms. It was so hot that we feared heat stroke for the students. So every 45 minutes or so we yelled, "It's time for a water break!" It's one of the few times as a leader I received 99.9% cooperation from the kids. The need for water was great and there was a good chance of dehydration. We took time to drink mucho aqua! (A lot of water)

In many ways our life can feel like it's 100 degrees in the shade. The pressures of family, work, school, schedule and society can heat us up in a hurry. We can become spiritually dehydrated in no time. We become like one of my students said, "I can handle this heat by myself", just before she passed out. When was the last time you took time to take a drink for your thirsty soul? By that I mean have you spent time alone with the Lord? Could you block out one hour, two hours, three hours or a day just to read scriputre and pray quietly before the Lord? Most of us say I just don't have time. Sadly, too many Christians are saying, "I'm OK, I don't need to take time to drink," just before they spiritually pass out. The list of struggles that can begin to take over our lives is long. It is my prayer that each of us will understand the need to periodically take extended time to be with the Lord.

It was Martin Luther who spent extended time every morning in prayer. He said he had so much to do he could not afford not to pray. Cynthia Bezek shares in Prayer Magazine that her first time of extended prayer and quiet was a gift from a friend. Her friend had noticed Cynthia was especially frazzled, so she offered to watch her toddler so Cynthia could take the day alone. She took her up on it and the time with God changed her whole outlook.

We also struggle with that concept of taking time away. Somewhere we have gotten the idea that it is a bad use of time. How can we sit and do nothing? Those of us who can't sit still at any time wonder how this is even possible. But for most, it's a time to change our perspective. We must realize that we may be dehydrated and that it is time to take a drink from the living water.

The first week of February I am attending the Mid-Winter Conference in Chicago. On Wednesday, I will be at a full day directed retreat of prayer and solitude. I'm looking forward to participating and bringing back some ideas to lead us in this kind of prayer opportunity. This year our theme for the church is "Make Time for Your Thirsty Soul". As your year and life heat up, we will be offering opportunities to "drink". I hope that you join in and quench your thirst.

Hey listen up everybody, "It's time for a Living Water Break."


Pastor Craig