Asma Naqi, a Pakistan born female author once remarked: “Through the passage of my life I have learned, that the power of positive association is so much stronger than any amount of negativity in the world. No matter how dark it is, a tiny beam of light is all it takes to kill the darkest of darkness.” Psalm 16:11 confirms: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The water of life can emulate several different connotations. It may suggest a particular path that one wishes to follow, a positive association with God or it could entail specific channelling, which may result in a habitual routine, such as daily prayers. Some people in life depend on conformity, to the extent that unexpected changes to the norm are not usually considered as acceptable. Psalm 32:8 reminds us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
The benchmark could be defined as implicit social norms or specific rules which create uniformity within a group or a particular field and establish pleasantness in life. Negativity will never enter the equation where unwritten rules exist in an agreed sector. The entrenched rules, although not actually formal, are naturally conformed to by all those present, without question. Proverbs 15:24 reminds us: “The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.”
The Lebanese-American writer Khalil Gibran once remarked: “Would that I were a dry well, and that the people tossed stones into me, for that would be easier than to be a spring of flowing water that the thirsty pass by, and from which they avoid drinking.”
Flowing waters have been defined as: “Fresh waters flowing unidirectionally down altitudinal gradients. These waters may or may not be confined in distinct channels. Flowing waters include streams, flowing springs, seeps, ditches and flumes. They don’t usually divert on their own accord but may be forced to on the intentions of others. The water of life is God’s faithful and lasting provision for His people.
The water of life has been defined as something that gives spiritual refreshment or eternal life. It may form an individual channel or be part of a wider expanse. The messages of Jesus Christ provide the solution to those in spiritual need. When Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-26 to ask for the living water, he was referring to the fact that she should seek the water of eternal life provided only by God.
For those who travel by train to work on a daily basis, certain regular channels of normality are often formulated over time, which make the arduous, but necessary journey, more agreeable and comfortable. For the past seven years, on every working weekday, Percival Forsythe, had occupied the same seat on the 08:17 to London Bridge which was situated adjacent to the window of the usual eight-seater individual train compartment. He was invariably accompanied by seven other regular and familiar faces of businessmen undertaking a correlative journey, often dressed in similar attire. Each wore a black jacket with grey and black pinstripe trousers, a white shirt, a colourful tie and black shoes which complimented the outfit.
Most carried a black bowler hat, a raincoat during the winter months and a full length traditional black tightly rolled umbrella. In addition, an executive style briefcase or portfolio was usually carried. Each person had their own assigned seat which was strictly adhered to without question. The seating arrangements were considered sacrosanct.
Very little was spoken between the daily occupants, apart from the customary politeness at the start, or occasionally, the end of the journey. An air of silence was usually maintained during the actual journey, apart from an occasional comment, as each were busily reading their preferred newspaper or perhaps completing the daily crossword section for relaxation purposes. It was traditional, it was reassuring, it was perfect. Proverbs 4:20-24 reminds us: “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”
On one particular morning, however, the usual channel of conformity was disrupted. A stranger suddenly emerged in the octarchy. He was uninvited, unwanted and considered a disturbing influence. He had invaded the pleasantry of normality. When Percival joined his usual carriage, to his horror and dismay, there, sitting in his usual seat by the window, was an unbidden guest. Percival’s face changed to one of sternness, disgust and unacceptable realisation. How dare this new person invade the privacy of so few. What right did he have to intrude? Darkness overcame him. However, despite his feelings, he reluctantly remained silent and refrained from voicing an opinion.
Percival placed his briefcase and umbrella on the luggage rack directly above the newcomer and room was made on the opposite seats to accommodate him. He just sat there, breathing imaginary fire through his nostrils and ceaselessly staring at the person sitting in his preferred seat. All he could think of for the entire journey was the effrontery that this person had invoked on the group. The same happened for the following three mornings much to his displeasure. He was gradually becoming more incensed at the audacity of this individual. On the fifth successive day, Percival decided to tackle the problem. To his delight, he managed to reach his assigned seat before the newcomer. The tables had turned. The newcomer, who was more unconventional and outspoken than Percival pondered for a while and then remarked: “I see that you are sitting in my seat this morning.” Percival retorted: “No sir, that is not quite true, for the past four days, you have been sitting in mine. One that I have occupied for the past seven years. You are the one who has intruded on my allotted space. Not me on yours.”
A beam of light was then shown. The newcomer looked surprised and responded: “I am so sorry, you should have mentioned it. I would have happily changed with you. Far be it for me as “The new boy” to cause consternation and impede the path of life. I will find another carriage tomorrow.” Philippians 4:8 confirms: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Amen.
