I recently watched a movie titled The Forge. In the video, an older gentleman was mentoring a young man in the ways of God. He told the young man, "Be a fountain, not a drain." That simple saying really spoke to me.
A fountain is always giving and bubbling. It seems joyful and keeps going as long as it is able. Fountains can make people happy as they throw a coin in to make a wish. Fountains can give someone calm as they sit nearby and hear the peaceful sound of the water flowing. Fountains can even bring excitement and awe. There is a fountain located in The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that delights with different colors and synchronized movement of the water to different songs.
A drain is the opposite of a fountain. There is nothing exciting or joyful about it. All it does is take away water.
Some people are like the drain. They are constantly talking negatively about everything and everyone. They complain and grumble about things instead of finding the good in all things. I have been guilty of this very thing. I have worked with some "drains" who were constantly negative, and I found myself becoming exactly like those people.
The mentor in the movie also asked this question of the young man, "What do you want people to think when they see you coming?" Do you want them to be cringing on the inside and thinking, "Oh no, here he comes again. What is he going to complain about this time?" Wouldn't you rather for them to think, "Wonderful! I am having a bad day and here comes someone who can encourage me?" I want to be known as a positive, encouraging person, don't you?
The irony is that I sometimes complain about things that I used to pray to God that I could have. Have you prayed to God for a job, and then complained about the job God gave you? Maybe you prayed that God would give you a house, and then you complain when it needs repairs? We are all human and subject to these feelings of frustration, but we should not let them constantly rule our moods and attitudes. Being a drain will not only affect you negatively, but it will also impact the people who are around you.
Believe me, I KNOW that it's very hard to be positive when you are in the midst of life's greatest trials. However, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for or to be positive about. We still have life, breath, a place to live, a home in heaven, and the list goes on and on.
God is our fountain of life. Zechariah 13:1 says, "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." Jesus came to wash away all of our guilt and shame. In Jeremiah 2 verses 11-13, Israel had "Forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." They went after other gods instead of the One True God who could satisfy their every thirst. Psalm 36:8-9 states, "They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house. And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light."
God has promises for us that include fountains. Isaiah 12:3 declares, "With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In chapter 58 verse 11, Isaiah also says, "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Proverbs 14:27 announces, "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14 says, "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." Revelation 7:17 states, "For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water, And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."
The next time you are tempted to speak negative words, please remember, "Be a fountain, not a drain."
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