During the season of Lent, I will be sharing a short post each day as part of the Lent-Photo-a-Day Journey, providing a sort of brief reflection and witness through the journey to and through the cross, to the tomb, and out into the world.

The word designated for March 8th was “Water.”

I grew up in and around water. Not only is the Pacific Northwest full of beautiful rivers, mountains and glaciers, I grew up in a town with a beautiful salt water bay that connects with the much deeper Puget Sound (which then connects to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean). I loved learning to swim, and growing up at the beach and on the water in kayaks or on the Ferry. I could share any number of photos of these.

Today though, I think I will go back to this photo from my baptism. I was reminded of it because I attended a funeral of one of the founding members of the congregation I am serving currently. Today we remembered and celebrated this person’s life, but we were also reminded of the promises of life and hope that we hear in baptism.

Water is a core need for life, but it is also a beautiful part of God’s creation. In baptism, it is met with the Word of God, and we hear words like these in thanksgiving around the font, “Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life.”

What do you think of when you see and feel water? Do you often find yourself in reflection while washing your hands, doing the dishes, or perhaps while in the shower? 

I encourage you as you go about your day to be mindful of the importance of water when using it today.