The Jar

The Jar - A Poem Based on John:4.

I’m walking to the well.
I’ve got my jar with me. It’s always with me. (I guess it represents a lot.) I carry it here, there and everywhere. I need it – it’s part of me.

It’s empty right now – hence my walk to the well.

It’s funny, but this walk represents a lot too.

Going out my comfort zone.

Walking through the village and watching people look away – pretending they haven’t seen me. People think things about me, they have opinions that aren’t theirs to have.

They certainly don’t know what I’ve been through! Not many people do.

Anyway – back to my jar.

The jar that needs re-filling.

I’ve run out. I’m running on empty – there’s only so long you can run on empty.
Each step on this walk – carrying my empty jar – I think.

I think about everything I’m juggling.
All the roles I play and the hats I wear.
How I’m pulled in so many directions, how I’m expected to be there for everybody.

At their beck + call, whenever they need me.
I’m tired.

Exhausted, in fact.

Life doesn’t seem sustainable right now. Or very enjoyable.

The well’s normally quiet at this time of day but I’m getting closer – and there’s someone there.
That’s unexpected – it’s a man – with no jar.
What’s the point of sitting by a well with no way to draw the water?
Oh well – I’ll just mind my own business and get on with it.

Ok. So I’m done at the well.
I’m not quite sure what just happened but I’m now walking back to the village – I feel 100% different.

I think my life just took a 180° turn – I encountered someone who might just be the Messiah.

I encountered Jesus.
And this is what it felt like:

– coming home
– finding true rest
– receiving peace
– being seen, heard and understood
– feeling known
– being fulfilled
– knowing I was unconditionally loved for the first time ever
– believing in Him, and being transformed

And now all I can think of is getting this out there – I’ve got to share it – I’ve received living water, eternal water.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m not even carrying my jar home with me! I left it behind, at the well.

In all the excitement – it suddenly didn’t seem quite so important anymore.
A short while ago it was everything –

It represented my life, who I was, my identity, my role – everything temporary and physical I held so tightly to –
And now – I don’t seem to even need it!

In my daily trip to receive temporary water –

I went on a journey to get what I thought I needed, and I’m now coming back with so much more than I ever expected.

Complete fulfillment.

Thank you Jesus.