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Sister Water

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water;  
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure. 
-   St. Francis of Assisi

Statistics

With statistics like:  In 2000, 55% of U.S. lakes, rivers, and estuaries were not clean enough for fishing or swimming according to EPA testimony before Congress in 2002 – How am I doing with St. Francis’ plea to praise and honor Sister Water?

In Every Glass

In every glass of water we drink, some of the water has already
passed through fishes, trees, bacteria, worms in the soil, and
many other organisms, including people… Living systems
cleanse water and make it fit, among other things,
for human consumption.
- Elliot A. Norse, Animal Extinctions

Besides Consumption

Besides consumption, what do I as a human being contribute to this living system that makes the water clean and fit for all life?

We Do Not Respect It

Children of a culture born in a water-rich environment,
we have never really learned how important water is
to us. We understand it, but we do not respect it.
- William Ashworth, Nor Any Drop to Drink, 1982

How do I learn?

How do I learn to respect the importance of water before earth becomes a water-poor environment?

The Frog

The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.
- American Indian Saying

Do I?

Nature-based peoples throughout time have understood the importance of not over-consuming the earth’s resources. Do I?

The Holy Order Of Water

When time comes for us to again rejoin the infinite stream of water
flowing to and from the great timeless ocean, our little droplet of
soulful water will once again flow with the endless stream.
- William E. Marks, The Holy Order Of Water

Take Some Time To Reflect

As. St. Paul teaches – every part participates and affects the whole (we believe this includes all of creation) – Take some time during these days of Lent to reflect upon what is my own participation or non-participation in the Body of Christ.

Throw Yourself In

You've been walking in circles, searching. Don't drink by the water's edge.

Throw yourself in. Become the water. Only then will your thirst end.

-Jeanette Berson