Dearly Beloved,
As I watch the rain fall, I am reminded again of the waters of baptism and indeed the waters of life. I haven't been keeping up with the news about it, but I know that the Colorado River is in trouble -- there simply is not enough water in this watershed for all of us upstream and everyone downstream. My childhood years in South Africa and Zimbabwe gave me an early consciousness about water. In South Africa, we had no running water but a pit toilet out back and drinking, bathing and washing water collected from our roof by gutters and gathered into a couple of cement water tanks that my dad built. We needed to treat that water before drinking it and had to be mindful of levels in the water tanks.
In Zimbabwe, we did have running water, though only cold. We had a flush toilet and shower and even tap in the kitchen! When we first arrived, the water was plentiful and safe to drink, but I have memories of boiling the water after my brother got really sick from a water-borne illness. I also remember drought seasons when my mother would wake in the night to collect what water she could from our taps because, by morning, there was no water to be had. We would conserve the water carefully throughout the day, ensuring that we had enough for all our needs.
I am sure that it is no coincidence that water is essential both for our physical life and wellbeing but also for our spiritual lives. In these rainy spring days, I invite you to step outside into the rain. Feel the drops fall on your face. Imagine where that water has been (I know that can be gross, but it can also be pretty awe-inspiring!) and its journey to get here, to you. Remember that waters of baptism and your belovedness as you wash your hands and bathe. Delight in the gift of joy that is water -- if you can, watch a child play in the rain, splash in puddles, enjoy time at a pool or in the bath. Why not play in water yourself? Sing in the shower! Play with the bubbles as you wash dishes. Dance with the washing machine or dance because you don't have to do the dishes (a dishwasher is doing it for you!).
Be thankful! Rejoice! Let God's grace and love wash over you and into you through the gift of water.
In love and joy,
Thandiwe
