"Puddles of Love"

"Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools." (Psalms 84:6) You might not get this, but it's a lot like a message that I heard once from Pastor Gayle; I believe it was called, "Digging Wells." You could also think of it like a 'carbon footprint' is figured for taxing purposes; we are totally not there yet, but it's coming, believe me. All those toys and houses and that nice big Hummer, all will be tallied up for a nice big Carbon Tax; a Tax that will be due and payable to the U.N. at the end of each year. How does that figure in? I know that's what you thinking. Well, it's the 'footprint' part that I am thinking of, the "pools" that get filled with rain. In Pastor Gayle's message, he used the example of Jacob, and how he had dug many wells, almost all of which were taken over by others; some were even filled in by those that did not like him. What a well represents is something you dig for water, but not just water for yourself, it supplies water for others who might also walk where you have walked. Pools on the other hand are not dug, they are unintentional bodies of water that gather with rain; some are good for providing water for wandering travelers, and some become a barrier in the road that is traveled. Much like the carbon footprint tax idea, there is something figured into our journey and the pools that we leave along the way. Will the pools that you leave be a blessing, or will they be an barrier? Taking this concept in line with the previous verse, we can see clearly that following God's ways is the only way that we can show our dependence in His strength. Digging a well in the midst of a trial or circumstance is intentional and a means of survival. The pools or puddles we make are caused by the way we actually live our lives along the journey...
"My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones, Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don't reject the LORD'S discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:1-12) NLT