all things.

You got going before any of us could say a word. Not a terrible thing, by any means, but a little preparation is usually of some value. If at no other time than when we look back and miss it. Easier to say, “I did all that I could” when we know it is true. But since when is peace in the efforts? Heaven help us if it is.

There was once a woman who had five husbands. Impressive. In the sort of way that we don’t really want to be ourselves. She was thirsty. Sometimes in the getting, we believe we need more, I suppose. He asked her for water and she asked Him who on earth He was. She had heard One would come to tell them all things. He told her, “I who speak to you am He.” There is a knowing that cannot be returned from. And when she went running off without her empty waterpot, she cried, “Come, see a Man who told me all things…” There is a finding that saves us from lostness. What a gift, to be able to trade in empty pots for such saving. Never to thirst again. [1]

You didn’t figure you’d be here now. I know. But it is good. Say it, until you believe it.

The nice thing is that the dawn comes whether we are ready for it or not, and whether it feels nice or not, it just happens, and we can depend on it. Steadfastness, a quality so rarely found in any of us, is all around in the things we don’t control. And there is great gratitude to be had for that.

We cannot tell you, disheartened one, where you will end up. So sorry. But that absence of certainty is your very hope. He who tells all things would have you come. Bring the waterpot if you want—we all know it’s empty—but leave it there when you return. You won’t want it by the end.

If you wrap your arms around yourself it feels a little like someone is holding you. Almost. Not sure if that is nice, or lonely. But it is true. And maybe it is up to us how much comfort we get from it. There is, if we’ll admit it, an ongoing tug-of-war in our minds, and even in our hearts. Who will win? You or you? Losing is okay as well. Just so long as you know the fight is happening, strength needs to be exerted in it, and lessons learned from it. Don’t walk away ignorant.

Run. Knowing that you know someone who knows all things.

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[1] John 4:1-29