Every time I go to a restaurant, the waiter or waitress always asks if I’d like water as I wait for my appetizers or aperitif. I use my best Southern manners to say “No thank you, Sweetie.” Other times I might say, “Yes, please — no lemon.” Since I don’t usually request water at restaurants (unless they offer it in bottles), I can only assume that it’s part of the script, or I just look thirsty. Either way, on those rare occasions when I do ask for water, it’s because I’m planning to consume an adult beverage or two to celebrate the week’s end, a birthday, a friend’s promotion, or 200+ daily views on my fledgling blog.
What fills my bonnet with bees is when I’m given something I haven’t requested — like water. Regular as rain, the waitress always returns with an ice cold glass of water with a poked and prodded slice of citrus fruit positioned so precariously on the edge of the glass that it might just take a dip.
Now, I could talk about unwanted things all day; however, it might be more beneficial to serve up something a bit more refreshing. As I sit and reflect on my choices, using water as an example, I rarely thirst for it. I’ll take an ice cold Coke over water any day of the week. It’s essential to our existence, yet I’m not guzzling it down at every opportunity. In fact, most of the health and nutrition literature I’ve read suggests that we should drink 64 ounces or more each day, and I know many who meet this daily goal. Sadly, I’m not one of them. If I get half of that, it’s a good day. Well, as the saying goes, when you know better, you do better, and I’ll definitely try to do better by accompanying my meals with something refreshing (Notice the loophole?).
I’ve learned that the generous person will be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. ~ Proverbs 11:25
When I read this verse last week, I realized that I always get a return on my investments. No matter what I give, as long as I do so generously, I typically get it back tenfold. If you know me, you know that I have a heart for mentoring. I just want us all to become who we were destined to be. I offer advice, life lessons, and any resources that I have access to. I’d venture to say that sharing counts as watering others — pouring without pontificating. You can have a well spring of information to share, but only offer a few sips at a time; otherwise, you might come across a bit preachy. Most will assume you have an agenda, so your message gets drowned out by that perceived agenda. The key to watering others is to dole out a smooth blend of equal parts love, good intentions, requested information, the right environment, and unlimited refills (optional lemon). Doesn’t that sound refreshing?
Ask yourselves how you might pour into others this week, and remember that as you water others, you are watered as well.
Very well said Michelle. If more people on this earth looked for opportunities to pour into the lives of others we would be such a better place. Some of the happiest people I have met have been ones that poured into the lives of others without any expectation in return. It is contagious!
As one whom you have “watered”, I will say that I thank God for you, our friendship, and this Blog. You have been such an encouragement and inspiration to me. Thank you!
What a kind thing to say. Thank you for watering me as well.
Balance in all things. And now I’m refreshed too!