On a recent drive in Co. Waterford, a friend and I decided to take the scenic route home? We stopped at a little village near Kilmeaden – home to Knockaderry reservoir, which supplies water to the city. The surrounding area is a paradise for fisher enthusiasts, bird watchers and lovers of wild exotic flowers.
You will be surprised to hear that I was completely captivated by the reservoir!
What is a reservoir? Well, it stores water in order to make it available when it is needed; it makes provision for outflow and inflow.
It is not a swamp, because a swamp has an inlet but no outlet. As a result, many things in a swamp die. And a swamp can emit an unpleasant odour. Yes, there is life in a swamp, but it lacks energy and zest for life.
A reservoir isn’t a canal either! A canal enables a network of communication and provides links between people, needs and movements. It is adept at reaching out in times of crisis.
In my reflections, a few questions surfaced:
Am I a reservoir, a swamp or a canal?
- Reservoir: am I there for people in their hour of need? Do I keep my inlet and outlet clear so that I’m never empty?
- Do I share the gifts that God has given me?
- Swamp: do I hoard whatever comes my way as my own?
- If so, do I wonder why I have so few friends?
- Canal: am I a channel through which kindness and friendship flow?
- Do I relate needs to sources of help?
Each of us can take on the characteristics of reservoir, swamp or canal.
RESERVOIR, SWAMP, CANAL WHICH AM I?
B. O ‘S