What’s in the Water

"Your turn to pray, Carlos," said Maria when their family sat down to eat."Okay." Carlos bowed his head. "Thank you, God, for this day and this food…"When Carlos looked up a moment later, he groaned. "Oh no! Not broccoli again! I hate broccoli--and I don't like chicken fixed like that!" But Carlos knew he had to eat some, so he took a small portion from each dish. "This weather is way too hot," he complained between bites.Dad frowned. "Carlos, do you think God heard your prayer tonight?"Carlos looked at Dad in surprise. "Of course," he replied."And does He hear your grumbling too?" asked Dad.Carlos looked down at his plate. "I guess so," he admitted.Dad nodded. "I think so too. After dinner, we'll go out to the pond. I think it has something to teach you."At the edge of the pond a short time later, Carlos watched as Dad took a bucket and hauled up some water. "Are we going to water the garden?" asked Carlos.Dad shook his head and held out the bucket. "Here. Have a drink.""Eww!" exclaimed Carlos. "Dad, you know the water in this pond is filthy!""Yes," said Dad, "but you won't be drinking the water in the pond. You'll be drinking the water in the bucket."Carlos made a face. "If the water in the pond isn't good, the water in the bucket won't be good either. It's the same thing."Dad nodded. "Right again. What's in the pond comes up in the bucket. That's like something Jesus taught. He said, 'What you say flows from what is in your heart.' Think about your prayer tonight, Carlos--and about what you said after you prayed. You thanked God and then griped about the very things you thanked Him for. I've noticed that attitude more often lately, but you have the ability to change it. Jesus has given you a new, clean heart because He loves you, Carlos--He loves you so much that He died for your sins. Because of that, your words should be rooted in gratitude for everything He's done for you."Carlos looked at the stuff floating on the water in the bucket. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I'll tell Jesus I'm sorry too."–Mary Rose Pearson