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The Wonder of Water

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We often take water for granted, but it's a remarkable substance.  As you drink it, and play in it, cook with it, or clean with it, let your imagination wander to the hidden molecular world below it's surface.

Water is made from just two of nature's atomic building blocks.  One is hydrogen, the lightest substance of all.  The other is life sustaining oxygen.

All water molecules in the entire universe are identical and have the ability to attract their neighbours to make a special link.  This enables water to do many things on which our life depends.  It is this special link that causes water to stay liquid rather than vaporizing, even on a warm summer day.

Yet when water freezes to form ice, unlike other substances, it forms an open mesh of atoms, and so expands.  Because of this expansion, ice floats in winter protecting life in the lake, even though the air above is well below freezing temperature.

Water also has the ability to store heat.  This enables it to control the temperature of our bodies, and the climate of our planet.  Water can dissolve many different substances.  This allows it to carve out wonderful landscapes from stone, as well as to transport tiny molecules through our bloodstream to keep us alive.

So next time you turn on the tap, stop and think for a moment about the water molecules filling your cup – so small in size, but so massive in importance.

MOVING BEYOND MATTER
with Ron Hughes

Though water is one of the most common substances on the planet, it is unique in several ways.  What's more, our lives literally depend on it.

For many of us in the more technologically advanced nations of the world, thinking about water is hardly an issue.  Occasionally, during a dry summer there will be restrictions on watering lawns, but generally water is available in what some people would see as ridiculous abundance.

For most of the residents of less technologically advanced nations, thinking about water is a much more common activity.  Just obtaining enough to drink occupies a significant amount of time - never mind using precious water for washing clothes or bathing one's body.  

Water is a crucial resource and one which needs to be conserved and valued.  Its presence as a liquid on this planet provides, as far as we know now, the unique conditions necessary for physical life.

Water easily spills over from the strictly physical to the cultural and spiritual dimensions of life.  It has served artists and authors as a powerful symbol in their artistic creations.  Water is such a wonderful natural substance that it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual life.  Jesus referred to it this way on a couple of occasions.

Physical water in all of its states (solid, liquid and gas) can unleash great power.  Glaciers grind down mountains.  Freezing water can split great rocks.  In its liquid state, water can erode solid rock into beautiful formations.  Both liquid water and steam can turn huge turbines to produce electricity.  Similarly, "spiritual water" is a source of power in the life of those who believe, giving them strength to rise above their circumstances and exhibit supernatural characteristics of  joy, love, peace, self-control and more.

When you think about water and it's importance to your life, spare a thought for its metaphorical significance.

It was Jesus who said, "If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink.  He who believes in me as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."