Hydrating Fully

Remembering to Flourish is a call to action to live a life aware of the need to not only be intentional about finding fulfillment in our lives, but to also engage in practices that facilitate flourishing. I have identified twelve practices for flourishing. Here I will introduce the third practice.

Recall: (Practice) Hydrating Fully

Recharge: (devotion) My favorite beverage is water. When I am thirsty, there is nothing more refreshing than a tall cool glass of water. Drinking water is not only refreshing, it is important for our physical health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.” Keeping our bodies hydrated with water is an essential flourishing practice. To stay fully hydrated, women, on average, need to consume about eleven cups of water a day and men need about fifteen. That is a lot of water!  Keep in mind that we get about 20-30 percent of the water we need from the food that we eat. Water is vital for a flourishing life.

Just as our physical bodies need water to flourish, the Word of God is clear that our souls need water to flourish. The word “water” appears over six-hundred times in the Bible. Metaphorically, water symbolizes many things. Most notably, water symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit, cleansing and salvation. John 4: 14 says, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give them shall never thirst; but the water that I will give them will become in them a well of water springing up to eternal life.” We have a choice to drink the water that God offers, water that leads to being filled by the Holy Spirit and to eternal life. Taking a sip every not and then is not enough. We need to drink to the full measure every day.

Reflect:(journal prompt) When you are physically thirsty, what is the first beverage you reach for? When your soul is thirsty, what do you reach for?

Rehearse: (affirmation) Today, I will make sure my body has the water it needs.

Refill: (prayer) Holy One, I need more of the water you offer in my life. My soul is thirsty for more of your Spirit, more cleansing of my sins, and the assurance of eternal life. With every glass of water that I drink, may I be mindful of the benefits of water for my body and soul. I am done with small sips of water. Help me to hydrate fully in body and spirit. Amen.