Mineral Water or the Water of Life?
by Sue
Some years back, Malc sang with a Male Voice Choir and rehearsed each week and was always available for the concerts which were organised. One time the choir went on a short tour of Derbyshire so Malc booked the coach tickets for us both as wives and girlfriends were invited along too.
And so, with the rest of the choir, off to Derbyshire we went. We stayed at a very nice old hotel, and during the time we were there, we celebrated our wedding anniversary. It was a lovely surprise on the evening of our anniversary when were ushered to a different table as we went for our evening meal, but thought nothing of it, until the most beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to us along with a bottle of ‘bubbly.’ A memorable evening for us and a very nice time in Derbyshire was anticipated, with several concerts organised and Malc and the rest of the choir eagerly looking forward to performing at the various venues that had been booked.
Buxton is well-known for its natural mineral water which has a history going back over 5,000 years. The water is the product of rain that falls upon the rolling hills of the Peak District, which finds its way through a mile of ancient rock, gradually transformed by the minerals absorbed along its path.
Well, we thought we would, at the earliest opportunity, try this famous water. But Malc was very disappointed to taste it and said it tasted warm and with all of the included minerals it was not at all to his liking. He preferred the bottled water that can be bought in the local shops – way more palatable. But as a town, Buxton and Derbyshire itself is really lovely and has lots of rolling hills and mountains and very friendly people too.
The week all too soon, came to an end, and before long we were bound for home after a series of successful concerts. But as all good things come to an end, due to work commitments, family things occupying our time, and serving more in the life of our church, Malc, reluctantly made the decision to leave the choir.
We give the Lord all the thanks and praise for the different experiences that we have had in our lives and for the lots of wonderful people we have met and Christian friends we have made. When we look back from time to time we are totally amazed at where the Lord has taken us so far.
We tasted of the waters of Buxton but we are ever grateful that the Lord Jesus has quenched our thirsty souls with springs of living water.
Proverbs 14:27 says:
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.
And Jesus’ promise to us is declared in John 4:14 when He says:
Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.