A Cup of Cold Water

The last rays of the sun glanced off of the rock walls of the wadi where Stephen and I had parked our car. After checking our apps and taking one last swig of water, we embarked on, for me, the longest run yet - 10 miles. The beginning of the path consisted of rough stones beside a windy road with cars flying around the corners. After about a hundred meters, we turned off the road and headed along a flat concrete shoulder which took us to a dam. The smell of campfires and grilling drifted through the air as we ran past families huddled around fires to stay warm and cook their food. 

The street lights twinkled off of the glistening water and the cool temperature invigorated my body. I love the exhilaration of first starting to run. Past the other side of the dam we came across some more families camped by the side of the path having picnics. The children ran around exploring the rocks and water while the adults sat sipping tea on mats or camp chairs. Everyone paused and took a second glance when we passed. Were they glad for the diversity we represented? Were they inspired? Or were they wishing we wouldn’t spoil their nice calm evening? I couldn’t quite tell. 

The path now consisted of compact dirt, dusty but smooth as it wound its way through acacia trees along a small stream of water. To some the way might have looked like a desolate desert road, but to me, after living here for several years, the thorny trees and simple brook were like an oasis. I breathed in the sweet smell of acacia blooms and relished the distant sound of water. We continued to pass families and friends enjoying the cool weather and each other’s company. Sometimes the kids along the path would shyly wave at us or take their scooters to join us for a short distance. At other points, we overtook couples leisurely walking hand-in-hand (an unheard of thing in public not too long ago). 

Sometime around mile 4, I started to get tired. I just wasn’t feeling it anymore and my feet were getting a bit sore. I could feel the internal frustration at the thought of running yet another mile before turning around and doing it all over again. I put on a podcast and tried to distract my brain thinking about the words floating into my ears - just keep moving my feet, keep breathing, keep moving, one step at a time. By now, my body temperature had greatly increased and the crisp evening no longer felt so cool. My throat dried out from breathing in dust and pollen longed for some water. 

Finally, after crossing several roads and a major roundabout, we made it to the halfway point and turned back the way we had come. Though the way back was long, I was relieved to think that every step was taking me closer to our car and to my water. At about mile 7, I had had enough of my podcast and switched to music. My feet were very sore now and I could tell I was getting a blister. All I wanted to do was stop and I was losing my will power to push on. Every time we would pass a group of people or a couple walking along, I would try and hold myself together a little big longer, take just few more strides trying to look strong, but inside I was dying. 

A group of friends or maybe sisters sat not far off the beaten path relaxing with their tea. They blended into the evening darkness with their black robes, but one stood away from the group near the path talking to the others. I could see her face and as I approached, she lit up with a smile, cheering me on. I slowed my pace to smile back and greet her. To which she cheerily waved me over to their group and replied, “Would you like some tea?”

I didn’t stop that day for tea, but her one small gesture of kindness put wings on my feet. I managed to keep up my pace for the duration of the final 3 miles and finished still thinking about her kind offer. She was like the one Jesus referred to who offers a cup of cold water to one of His disciples. As I gulped down the water in the car, I thought of the Living Water that I have access to. Does she know about this Living Water that quenches all those who thirst? Has she like Hagar, experienced the God Who Sees and causes springs of water to well up in the desert place? I pray that one day she may know the Greatest Blessing and Reward of all.