Reawaken Your Wonder
By Susan Klein
“Then, leaving her water jar…”
John 4:28a
(NIV)
It started out as a
day like any other. She lived on the less-desirable side of the tracks.
Outsiders rarely ventured here. Her life had brought her several failed marriages
and many hard times. She had no luxuries, no servant girls to draw her water or
do her chores. Time to get up and start the busy day.
Hefting the large
urn upon her shoulders, she set out for the well outside of town. Her feet knew
this path so well she could travel it in her sleep. Maybe she’d get there
before the others and avoid any contact.
But He was there, this man, this Jew. What
was a Jewish man doing at the well in Sychar? She just wanted to retrieve her
water for the day and be on her way. He looked tired. He spoke directly to her,
strictly against customary rules. He seemed to know her. Intimately. Who was
this man?!! A prophet? No, he seemed to know so much more. She believed the
Messiah would come one day and explain matters such as this.
“I who speak to you
am He,” the stranger spoke.
What?! So filled
with awe was she, that the day’s water was left behind in her hurry to get back
to town and alert the others before He could leave. The Messiah had come, to her town, to speak to her!
It’s a December like
any other. The holiday season is upon her. She is busy with planning,
preparations and projects. She has a mile long to-do list to finish for Christmas.
If only she could pay someone to do her shopping! No time to waste wishing for
things she does not have.
She promised the
kids she’d help decorate the tree after dinner. It’s been such an exhausting
day…couldn’t she just take a long hot soak?! Her oldest son puts on some
Christmas music to get everyone in a festive mood. The two younger ones argue over
whose turn it is to put the star on the top this year. Her husband plugs in the
lights, and there is only darkness. Groans abound. Guess that means another
trip to the store tomorrow. Add that to the list. Everyone retreats to their
rooms, leaving her to clean up the boxes and stray tinsel.
Just then…“Silent
Night” begins to play. Her ears perk.
All is calm, all is
bright. She drops the boxes and sits.
Holy infant, so
tender and mild… Peace enfolds her.
Son of God, love’s
pure light. She loses the cares
of the day, embracing this awe and wonder.
GOING
DEEPER:
Take some time to do something that
will reawaken your wonder.
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and
has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and
tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at
Oakwood and also co-leads a small group.
