As a new Christian, I was given some advice: whenever you feel like you’ve lost your connection to God, go back to the last place you were together…physically. I liked the idea, but I could imagine there being a challenge if the physical location was no longer accessible (say a mountaintop in another state). So I made a deal with God: If ever I felt like we were separated, we would rendezvous at the Memorial Garden at St. Barnabas Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was a prayerful place for me that was accessible, but inconvenient enough that I would have to be serious about the task. Over the years, I have sought renewal in that place only twice. Those seemed like desperate moments in my life and I am glad God and I had this “arrangement”.
When considering the events recorded in John 4, we realize that my idea of a rendezvous point is not necessary. God meets us where we are and approaches us with a grace formulated just for us, in only the way our personal creator can. The real challenge is to be aware of the meeting when it happens. The woman at the well did not arrive there with any expectation of a life changing experience, but that is exactly what God had in mind for her. As we all go through the motions of our daily routine, know this: Nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39). Keep your eyes open the next time you go to your well.
