I knew I was in trouble the minute he streaked past me and out the door, but I’m fairly certain my terrier remembers it as “THE BEST WALK EVER!”  None of that staying on the paved roads!  This time we would see all the houses from the backyards and even traipse through the woods.  Fearing my terrier would take off at a full run and quickly outpace me, I sped down  the street and raced behind him into our neighbor’s garden, but my little scamp didn’t want to leave his mommy behind.  He would trot ahead, then sit patiently and wait for me to catch up . . . well almost catch up.  The little monster would pause until I lacked but a single pace to reach out and grab him, then he’d resume his merry adventure.

There were many sights to see, a steep hill down to the creek (which thankfully he decided not to navigate), lawn furniture, beach toys, a few individuals who were jogging or working in their yards, and other canines whose owners clearly did not understand the joy of running loose through the neighborhood visiting all the other shut-ins.  I followed along in hope that one of these visits would afford me the opportunity to snag my wayward friend, but even during his investigation of these new acquaintances, he was acutely aware of my proximity.

Half an hour into our journey, our woodland path suddenly dumped us out on the paved road which climbs the dune.  Would we end up at the parking lot full of cars whose owners were playing in the sand on the shores of Lake Michigan, or would we continue on the paved road down the hill and back into the neighborhood?  Neither!  Instead, it was back into the woods and down a steep slope to another backyard.  The hill claimed the last of my energy.  As luck would have it, the nice couple who lived the house at the base of the path, was enjoying brunch on their back porch.  This was my energetic pup’s undoing.  The smell of sausage wafted across the yard.  He trotted up the stairs to see if these kind humans might share some of that delicious meal.  Finally, success!  I stood at the bottom of the stairs whose sides were blocked by the most beautiful solid lattice in the world; well maybe it was just a plain wood lattice, but at that moment it was the finest thing I could have seen.

I captured the rogue and began the five block walk back to our cottage.  I couldn’t wait to get home.  All I could think about was the huge glass of cold water I would drink.  With each block, my desire for that water grew.  The thought of it gave me the needed incentive to carry that twenty pound prize I’d finally captured all the way home.  He needed the rest, too.

I don’t remember a time when I’ve craved water more than I did that day.  It served to remind me of how difficult it would be to be deprived of liquid refreshment for a long period of time.

When KnoxCAM goes into the prisons, one of our logistical challenges is making sure our members have access to water.  Our visits take several hours due to the time it takes to enter the prison, set up our equipment, and give our concert.  Dancers who expend a great deal of energy during the performance need refreshment; singers use the precious fluid to keep their throats lubricated.  I am certain that if I did not have access to water during our visits, I would begin to focus on its absence as I did the day my dog escaped.  So one of our planners is faithful to make sure this need is met.  Some of the prisons allow us to enter with an unopened bottle of water.  Other prisons provide us with cups and access to water.

During one particular visit, I noticed some of the prisoners carrying a large, heavy cooler of water to a table.  As usual, they brought out plastic cups.  I was busy making sure we had people prepared to hand out programs, but knew I would head over at the first opportunity to fill a cup with the precious liquid which I would keep by my chair throughout the afternoon.  I was surprised when a voice said, “Ma’am would you like this?”  I turned to see one of the prisoners holding out a full cup to me.  I took the generous offering and thanked the man.  He beamed and said, “We really appreciate you coming here.”  I watched the men for a few minutes.  They filled the cups and offered one to each of the members of our group.

What struck me was the joy with which they performed this service.  There was little these men could do for us in the way of hospitality, but the humbleness with which they performed this simple task made me feel like an honored guest.  I often recall that day when I am in a position to serve another person.  Am I showing an attitude of servanthood which will make others feel like honored guests?

With KnoxCAM, I am privileged to carry water to others.  It is not like the water in the cup, but like the living water Jesus offered to the Samarian woman (John 4:7-43).  Most Jews treated the Samaritans with disdain; they were enemies, a people unworthy of salvation.  A Jew would never ask for a kindness from a Samaritan, nor show any, yet here Jesus is asking the woman for a cup of water from the well.  He had been traveling all day and was in great need of the refreshing water.  Jesus took the opportunity to speak to the woman of the great spiritual need which she had.  He presented to her the idea that she needed the living water which would quench the real thirst she had in her life.  He offered her salvation.

Much like the Samaritan woman, the people to whom KnoxCAM ministers are sometimes seen by others as “undesirables.”  Our hope is to present them with living water, to help them realize their need just as Jesus helped the Samaritan woman at the well.  On Saturday, a small group of us will go to a homeless shelter and a jail.  We will take with us the living water which Jesus offered.  I hope to offer it with the humility and joy shown by our Christian brother who offered me a simple cup of water.  I pray it will quench the thirst of one who has traveled a long road and is in desperate need of refreshment.

John 4:14  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”