Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Clogged 'Pipes'



The project is daunting. Over the years, we've continued to make modifications to our creek and pond in an effort to prevent erosion. In the process, we're hoping to create something beautiful. With the generous rainfall we've had this past year, we've also had to deal with large deposits of sand in our pond that radically change the water flow.




It's not unusual for us to have to remove that irritating sand three times a year. This year we decided on a different strategy. Fix the problem. Sounds like something we should have done years ago, right? Just one small problem. When cost is factored in, I remember why we've preferred to just have the sand removed time after time. But with a graduation party just weeks away, we decided the time was right to make the sacrifice. A catch pond and some huge boulders are part of the solution!




The creek flows under our driveway via two large pipes. As the rains come and the run-off from the adjacent neighborhood fills our creek, sand is deposited in both the creek and the pond. The pipes also fill up with their fair share of the grainy material. I've stared in amazement at the things that pass through the pipes and into our pond: logs, toys, plastic bottles, to name just a few. Eventually, the sand and floating objects get lodged in the pipes, and the water boils madly and spills into another stream designed to relieve any overflow.




As the workers spent hours digging out both creek and pond, they weren't surprised to find that the pipes were completely filled with sand and debris. Little if any water was flowing into the pond, rather it had re-routed itself to the secondary stream. With a bit of trepidation, one of the workers accepted the challenge to crawl into the pipes and remove everything that had obstructed the water flow. Once clear, the water was again able to flow from the creek into the pond.




My heart is a lot like those pipes. It is what allows God's word and the Holy Spirit to move freely between me and my Savior. Little by little, if I'm not careful, over time my heart begins to get clogged with 'debris.' Not surprising when I consider the words of Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV).




It may begin with an attitude - "I can handle this problem, God." I ignore His wisdom. It may continue with a choice - "Too much to do today, I don't have time to read my Bible." The Holy Spirit can't speak to my heart. As the days turn into weeks, the poor decisions compound until I'm completely dry, no longer saturated with the Living Water. The 'debris' in my life has cut off the flow of the "fountain of the water of life" (Revelation 21:6b).




Time to get serious. Time to 'dig out' all that's clogged my heart. With each piece of 'debris' that's confessed and removed, the trickle of Living Water gets stronger. I no longer struggle to take control, I leave my problems in the hands of the One who is in control of it all. I realize my total dependence on His wisdom and make my quiet time a top priority. Not willing to miss anything He has for me. Pride is stifled, humility takes its place. The 'pipes' of my heart have been cleaned and the Living Water is free to flow and bubble over into every aspect of my life.




How are your 'pipes'? Is there a spring of Living Water rising up within you, or has the flow been cut down to a trickle? It's springtime, the perfect time to get busy removing the debris that stands between you and the living God who loves you and desires the best for you!





Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that You desire to lead, guide and direct me. Forgive me for the 'debris' that I've allowed to clog my heart. Help me to have a restored relationship with You, that I can point others to the Fount of Living Waters. Amen.

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for this post. I know my pipes have gotten clogged during this past couple of years as we go through some trying times. I am praying hard that they will open fully up:)) Have a great day and I hope you finish your project on time.

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  2. I often think about how things might affect the flow of God's power in my life, and clogged pipes are the picture that I have. Thanks for sharing. Have a good weekend.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Hi Maria -

    I'm having some problems with a slow drain in my kitchen, so this caught my attention. The spiritual application was right on.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  4. Terri - Thanks for your honesty! I've continued to pray that God would open up the perfect job for you. I look forward to seeing what He has for you! Have a blessed weekend!

    Karen - I know God desires to work in and then through us. Searching our hearts daily, reveals those places where our 'pipes' are getting clogged. Thankfully, when we confess our 'junk' He's faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)! Then get ready for the water to flow!! Enjoy your weekend!

    Susan - I know about those slow drains! Just dealt with one in my kitchen too! Now one of the master bathroom drains appears to be having the same issue...So important to do the regular maintenance to avoid a total backup!! God bless you, sister!

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  5. Oh yes. I recently had a bout with anger. I won, but only after some serious wrestling and prayer. Thank God that debris is leaving, but I must be so careful. It sneaks up on me!

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  6. Jen - Your honesty is refreshing! Thanks for sharing. Praying you'll have a great weekend! God bless!

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  7. That was a very fine analogy. I was really absorbed by the drainage story and then you applied it to a good spiritual lesson-- well done. And you are right. My heart needs regular cleaning to prevent the junk from clogging me up. Just like recently I had to call the plumber when my efforts to unclog my pipes didn't work-- he had the equipment that I didn't have and he fixed the problem right away. Likewise, I don't have all of the equipment I need to cleanse my heart and I need to call on God for regular spiritual service.

    Lee
    A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post

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  8. Maria, this is such a great image. The normal flow of life easily poses debris that can clog my heart, and I know I need the living water flowing through me daily to keep clean.

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  9. Lee - Welcome and thanks so much for following my blog! I appreciate your words of encouragement. You're absolutely right that we need to call on God for the 'regular spiritual service' our hearts need! Looking forward to checking out your blog. God bless!

    Julie - Thanks for become a follower of Life Lessons! I've enjoyed reading your blog over the past few months and am thrilled that you stopped by. Looking forward to getting to know you! Have a fantastic week!

    DeanO - Welcome to Life Lessons and I appreciate the fact that you chose to follow my blog. What an honor! You're absolutely right that each one of us would have to admit and confess some area of sin in our lives that blocking the flow of Christ's Spirit within us. Praying that we each confess it when we realize it, and allow His healing flow to begin! Have a great week and God bless!

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  10. Wonderful post! And so true... We too have pipes under our driveway for the creek, and so, understand the build-up. The analogy really hit home. There are so many roadblocks ready to spring up in our relationship with God. We must remain vigilant to remove the debris!

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  11. It is safer and more practical if you leave the work to professional plumbing technicians because they don't only clean sewer lines but they also deal with any kind of sewer problems.

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  12. For some serious plumbing job, do not hesitate to take advantage of different plumbing services in your area. You can always check online for contacts and information.

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  13. I totally agree, plumbing is a very important part of housekeeping.

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  14. Interesting article. Plumbing is a very important aspect in all phases of housekeeping.

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