Fountain of Life

Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

My Dad wrote many books about our hometown in Glasgow, Scotland. He used to go around the city taking photographs of buildings, monuments, and sculptures that he felt were important because of their history. He also wanted native Glaswegians to renew their civic pride, so he sometimes took photographs of things that had been forsaken and left in disrepair. He hoped that when people saw his photographs and read the history attached to them, they would start to renovate the dilapidated houses, statues and memorials around the city.

One of his photographic subjects was a Victorian fountain in a city park, near to where he lived as a boy. He could remember how clean and bright it once looked, but sixty years later it was in a terrible condition. When he was young, he played at the fountain, sailing paper boats across its pool. He also paddled and jumped in it a couple of times when the park keeper wasn’t around. It had precious memories for him, so he hoped his pictures would spur someone to renovate the old fountain.

Two years before he died, the City Council decided to repair the fountain. Some councilors had seen my Dad’s photographs and read his comments about the fountain’s history. They decided to adopt it as part of their new Millennium projects that were being undertaken.

Today, the fountain is sparkling again. Its statues are gleaming and children play around it at the weekends. Sometimes, when the park keeper is somewhere else, they climb into the pool and splash in the water. My Dad would have loved that.

At times, we can feel weary, alone, and forsaken. Our spirits can be tired, depressed, and isolated. During those dry times, we need to turn to Jesus, our fountain of life and bright light of hope. Through Him and with Him, we can be replenished, re-strengthened and restored. All we need to do is ask Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are human, fragile and frail. We get worn down through over-working, over-reaching, and over-tiring ourselves. When we are empty, weary and feel forsaken, come to us with Your refreshing love. In Your Holy Name, we ask and pray. Amen.