The Fountain

 When we fly on a plane, one of the very first safety instructions given to passengers is this:In case of an emergency, adults must secure themselves first, then help children or other dependents.At first, it doesn’t feel right.As a parent, as a caregiver, your instinct is to reach for the fragile one first.But reality teaches something deeper:if you don’t take care of yourself first, you won’t be able to care for them at all.You must be equipped… before you can truly help.The same principle follows us into life.You cannot pour into otherswhen your own fountain is empty.Recently, I built a small water fountain outside my home.And I noticed something simple, yet powerful:When the main reservoir runs low,the pressure weakens…and the flow begins to slow… until it stops.The source determines the strength of what flows out.And it made me think: How often do we try to keep giving,keep showing up,keep pouring into others…while running on empty ourselves?Today is a gentle reminder, my friends:Take care of the source,Guard the well,Refill the reservoir,Because when the source is healthy,The flow is steady.And when the fountain is full…it doesn’t struggle to pour, it overflows!“…my cup overflows.” — Psalm 23:5