The Preaching Pitcher

I recently walked into an office building and requested to use the fax machine.  I was led to the fax machine and given a few quick instructions.  After I was left to begin messing up the instructions I had just received, I noticed something very interesting beside the fax machine.  What I saw was a "Preaching Pitcher."  What is a "Preaching Pitcher," you ask?  I'll confess that I didn't know what a preaching pitcher was until I saw it.  But very simply, it's a pitcher of water that preaches.😊

Do pitchers of water preach??  Not typically.  But this one does!  And it preached to me so loudly that I couldn't deny what I heard.  There was a label taped to the pitcher that read, "IF YOU USE ME, FILL ME UP."  Had we actually been in church when I read this, we could have ended service right there.  The message had come through loud and clear, and I had everything I needed!  For those who may have missed the message, or for those who may not speak fluent water pitcher, fear not; I'm happy to translate!

You wanna know why this water pitcher has this label attached to it?  It's because the very thing that it's asking is not often done.  Undoubtedly, there were several people in that office who used this water pitcher to pour themselves a cold drink when they were in need.  However, there are likely very few, if any, who thought to replace what they took; so that when the next person came, they too, would be able to have cool drink.

It's a very simple principle and practice.  Not unlike, “If you mess it up, clean it up."  It seems self-explanatory in terms of why the rule exists.  It focuses on personal accountability and courtesy to others.  Unfortunately, the human experience is often more messy than tidy.  It is often more complicated than simple.  And those things which ought to be done, are often left undone.  That is, until consequence is introduced, or the ones who do bear the load for the masses stop bearing that load, & granting a free pass to those who only have in mind to consume, and not to contribute.

The pitcher got me to thinking.  “If we struggle with re-filling empty pitchers, how good are at re-filling empty people?”  I would imagine that if we’re missing the mark in an area as small as an office water pitcher, we’re likely missing the mark in other areas that matter; specifically, with people.  People are a lot like water pitchers.  We all have the capacity to pour out, and to be poured into.  We make these transactions in every relationship we have.  What this preaching pitcher reminded me of was that we ought to be pouring back into the people who are pouring into us.  The pouring relationship isn’t always equal.  However, in some form or fashion, we ought to be giving back to those who give to us.

Sometimes that giving will be financial.  Sometimes that giving will be material.  Other times, that giving may simply be words and expressions of gratitude; perhaps acts of service that show another how much we appreciate what they do for us.  We may not have a lot to offer.  But some pour is better than no pour!

The funny thing about this “Preaching Pitcher,” is that though speaking, it cannot speak for itself.  Someone had to tape the sign onto the pitcher, so that those who use it would be aware of their need to put back what they take out.  Similarly, there are many unsung heroes of the human variety, who pour out all day long into the cups of others.  However, though these people have the ability to speak, they often don’t.  They say nothing about their own need.  They don’t mention that their levels are getting lower and lower, and depleting their ability to give and to be relied upon.  Sometimes, their depletion isn’t discovered until they're empty, and those who typically make withdrawals from them can’t get anything at all.  The sad thing is, when that happens, our first thoughts aren’t to replenish and restore.  Our first mind is often to complain, and to ask, “Why doesn’t this person have what I need, when they know I need it?”  We get angry and feel entitled to what we’re now missing, instead of becoming apologetic and helpful.

How can the largest “pitchers” among us actually become empty?  It’s because the very best people, are people at best.  People have needs.  Both to pour out, and to be poured into.  I hope to remind you today of what this "Preaching Pitcher" remind me of: If you owe a debt to anyone, pay it.  If money, then money.  If respect, then respect.  If honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)

Never underestimate what a little can do!  A little money, a little respect, a little service, and a little honor, can go a long way. 

And never forget, empty pitchers don’t give anything!  Neither do empty people.