Water. Water. Water.

It never fails. There is always someone who runs out of water on every hike we take...no matter how strenuous. Thankfully this has not yet resulted in real danger due to others carrying plenty of water, but the thought of it challenges each one of us to throw an extra bottle of water in our pack before we hit the trail.

This past weekend, we hiked up Avalanche Peak. Yes, it's as hard as it sounds. People say that the mountain once had a series of switchbacks which would steadily guide you up the mountain. But of course, in our American way, people became impatient with the trail and started scaling it straight up. The peak rises 2600 feet in just over 2 miles. So, knowing the feat ahead of us, with breathe heavy and tired calves, we all grew silent no more than a half a mile up the mountain. I kept repeating in my head, "Walk slow but don't stop moving. And drink water whether you think you will be able to breathe or not." (I must remind you of the challenge it takes to breathe and drink from a camelback and continue hiking all at the same time. It's a skill I am convinced.)

I realize on a trail such as this one, running out of water would be absolutely devastating to the possible success of reaching the top...alive. Dehydration is not something to be messed with. I've been there before and never want to return.

In John 4, Jesus talks about being the Living Water. I was reminded this week in a devotional about the effects spiritual dehydration has on our daily life. Irritability. Selfishness. Lack of focus. Envy. I'm sure you can name a few things that have overflowed out of your heart from depleted time with the Lord. I've known for so long, but it doesnt take much to forget how vital filling my mind with truth and sitting before the Lord is to my ability to face the emotional, mental, and spiritual struggles I face each and every day here in Yellowstone.

Someone once told me that when we start actually feeling thirsty, we are pretty close to dehydration. My thought today is...drink up. Allow your heart to be flooded with the unfailing love of Jesus.