Love like the waterfall

If you haven’t read ‘Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard, then put it on your ‘to read’ list. Throughout the book there are many analogies and themes, and one that fascinated me was a waterfall which flowed from the mountain top. It was described as ‘singing’ and ‘laughing’ as it made its way down the sharp rocks and obstacles. The life giving water was descending lower and lower, in complete abandonment, to where it was needed most.

The waterfall was a symbol of true love.

Compare this to a huge display fountain which I pictured in the valley below. The water is artificially flung up to spectacular heights to then collapse down to the same place it originally began. This monument is man made and seems useless in comparison to the majestic waterfall. The same water is used over and over again – serving no real purpose except to delight the senses. It looks good, but it’s not breaking any droughts!

The fountain is a symbol of temporary, forced love.

When we have the love of God within us, it means we love with abandonment, giving without expecting anything in return. Our love is not given with our own agenda or for display like the fountain. It has a Source and power behind it to get us over the obstacles and down to the place where we can serve where we are needed most.

When we have a ‘spring of water’ within us, we can give out without fear of running dry. The more we give out the more we will have to give.

Sometimes our Christian walk can get so complicated. I love stories of God’s goodness despite the adversities. Don’t allow the rocks of fear, hurt, rejection, laziness (ouch), shyness, hardness, anger…..whatever….place a barrier between you and your destination.

I’m sure the view from the top of the waterfall would be amazing. Imagine if all the little droplets of water stayed up there for the view and didn’t want to take the plunge? Then the valley below would dry up, the beautiful flowers would wither, the crops would die and the scenery would be destroyed… we don’t even have to imagine that picture…

So many people climb all their life to the ‘top’ to find that is not where they were meant to stay. The view is wonderful and worth the visit, but they are needed back in the valley.

Is your love like the waterfall or the fountain?

“whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) continually within him for eternal life." John 4:14