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Thirsting for More Than a Cool Drink
September is right around the corner, and do you know what that means? Pumpkin spice lattes! Autumn makes her grand entrance! The trees will add a splash of color to their wardrobes. And, an overzealous radio station will begin 24/7 Christmas music. Apple festivals are on the horizon and football! However, September is also Well of Mercy Month! Is your heart aflutter yet?
A few years ago, I visited Ireland and learned that mysterious and wonderful and important things happen at wells. Many wells are associated with saints and are believed to have healing powers. Because of that, visitors routinely bring bottles and fill them with water from these wells. When my own chatty group gathered at a well, we fell silent. We could sense something sacred and mysterious and important.
Of course, sacred and mysterious and important things often happen at biblical wells. Obviously, wells were the primary source of water. When people dug a well – the community threw a party – thirsty lives were about to get better and not just from a source of water. If you were thirsty for a little gossip, you went to the well – it was a source of news. If you were thirsty for reassurance, you went to the well – it was a source of encouragement. If you were thirsty for conversation or company, you went to the well – it was a source of companionship. The well was a meeting place – in more ways than one. Rebekah, Isaac’s future wife, is found at a well. Jacob meets Rachel at a well. Moses’ marriage to Zipporah is linked to a well. Wells were places to bring all of your thirsts. Just ask the Samaritan woman in John’s gospel. She quickly learned that when Jesus is hanging out by a well – you are thirsty for more than a cool drink.
Well of Mercy is the same kind of well. When I first visited, I was grieving and thirsty for comfort. I found it in an Adirondack chair in the woods. Since assuming the role of Executive Director in January, I have seen people thirsty for rest, and they find sleep; people thirsty for answers, and they find hope, people thirsty for clarity, and they find peace. Mainly, I see people wearied by the world and thirsty for something they cannot name, and they find welcome and nourishment. Sacred, mysterious, and important things happen at Well of Mercy.
And, sacred, mysterious and important things are worthy of celebration! So, check our Facebook and Instagram pages in September. We’ll be posting something each day about Well of Mercy. Join us on Sunday, September 21 from 3 -5 PM for an ice-cream fundraiser with some pretty special guests like Sister Donna! And Tammara! And, Srs. Carolyn and Lillian …and the Well staff. As if good company and ice-cream from Hemric Mountain Creamery is not enough, donors will match funds that are raised up to $25,000! So, this is an excellent time to double the value of your donations and to support this gorgeous place where sacred, mysterious and important things happen every day.
In this loud world that keeps me thirsty for the Holy Spirit, I am grateful for Well of Mercy and its gentle welcome to the quiet. I hope to see you in September, if not before!
Lea Slaton
Executive Director
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