A Drink Of Water For My Soul Poem by Maureen Carey

(Based on the Woman at the Well Parable)

He spoke to me first, and asked of me a favor. He was a weary traveler in need of refreshment. He asked if he could dray my bucket into the well and give Him a drink of water.

I was shocked that He was speaking to me. I wondered about this curious stranger.Who was He? Where did He come from? Who is this man, that would come to me, asking me for a drink of water? Doesn't He know that people will frown on Him, talking like this with me in public?

He puts his faith in me and trusts me to quench His thirst.

Somehow, His presence here gives my life meaning. Now, I am no longer someone who is cast off to the edges of society, but someone with dignity and purpose. People will say that we should not be talking like this; it's against the rules. Is He crazy? Doesn't He care about the consequences?

Why is my heart leaping so? The tenderness that I see in His eyes quickly puts any doubts to rest.

He gave me a drink of water for my soul. He bestowed new life upon me and called me to something more. He offered me water, water that will never leave my soul parched and dry. I won't have to keep drawing my bucket into the well for there is no shortage of the water that He wants to offer. The source of His love won't run dry and we can dip our buckets in anytime we wish.

No longer do I feel embarrassed to speak to Him. No longer do I feel unworthy of the living water that He wishes to offer me.

He quenches my thirst for equality; He refreshes my need for dignity. He gave me a drink of water for my soul.

I came to the well expecting only to have my jug filled, but I left with having my soul filled as well.

He met me where I was in life; I didn't seek Him out. He knew the barrenness of my soul and wanted to fill it with something that can't spill or run out.

No longer am I just a woman to be relegated to the fringes of society, but an equal individual who can share what I have to offer.
He accepted my drink of water in the same way that He accepted my presence; with grace and gratitude.