restore.

she panted for water. the lack of moisture her body took it's slow toll on the girl, taking away her vitality first, then her energy, and then her hope for replenishing. she had no friend to offer her water, no person by her side to give her a respite. all had left. all were giving their water to others, too preoccupied to hear her pleas. desperate, she searched from place to place, looking for liquid to break the drought. all other drinks were refreshing for an instant and then, from sips to gulps, left her even more thirsty. her body too tired to cary on and her throat too desiccated to cry out, the shadow of a girl slowed to a crawl. her despair overtook her, dry sobs wracked her body. through the exhaustion, she lifted her head up one last time, past the point of worrying who came, just wanting some relief. she strained her eyes, desperate to believe there was still someone who could help, who could revive her.

she remembered a day when she had her fill of water. she could remember what it felt like to drink, to have her full, and to have that source carry her through the day. she longed for that feeling again, she lifted silent pleas-begging for someone to break through the haze with relief, and managed one word, "please." in that moment, she saw a figure. for the first time since the drought, she had hope it could break. the figure walked to her, with assurance and ease, as though he was already waiting, already planning on being there. her chapped lips tried to form words, but none could make it past her dry throat. she was too weak to speak, yet she managed to lift her arms. she pushed herself clumsily to her feet, stumbled, and then began to run towards the figure. a run could not get her there fast enough, the ghost of a girl sprinted towards the man with the last of her energy.

with nothing left in her, she collapsed blindly into his arms. the embrace was comforting, familiar and steady. she was lifted off her feet and carried to a place of rest. he reached to his side and pulled up a cup of water, pouring it into the drained girl's mouth. her eyes sprang open, her heart beat a little less faint. the girls thoughts started to arrange themselves and she drank deeply. she could not remember a time when water was so sweet. her body was replenished, and all she could do was weep with joy and gratitude. she looked at the man who had carried her from the desert. "how did you know i was there? why did you save me? who sent you?" the questions sprang from her ceaselessly.

smiling, he took her hand. "i was always there, my beloved. all you had to do was look to me. i will never leave, i always have more. all you need to do is ask." with that, her heart was full. the joy welled up inside her and her laughter could not be contained. she thanked him with everything she had, and felt something hit her hand. she looked down in surprise, then turned her eyes towards the heavens. raindrop after raindrop came tumbling down to the earth, bringing life and restoration to the desert. the girl got to her feet, pulled the man up with her, and danced her heart's smile with him in the pouring rain. and she was not left wanting.

John 4:1-14

Matthew 7:8

Psalm 30:11-12