INTRODUCTION
The desert is a common spiritual archetype: a place seemingly devoid of life is in fact full of life. For one to see this beauty, it takes a special kind of attentiveness, a focused awareness that only comes with one slowing down and taking time. Merely hurrying to avoid the danger does not make one see - at least that is what this Jewish parable is saying.
(Recommended story to pair: Two Tigers and a Strawberry)
The desert is a common spiritual archetype: a place seemingly devoid of life is in fact full of life. For one to see this beauty, it takes a special kind of attentiveness, a focused awareness that only comes with one slowing down and taking time. Merely hurrying to avoid the danger does not make one see - at least that is what this Jewish parable is saying.
(Recommended story to pair: Two Tigers and a Strawberry)
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The Parable of the Deep Well
(from Godly Play® storytelling - see Godly Play® links to purchase storytelling materials, and to learn about the Godly Play® approach and how to receive training.) There was once a great desert. In the middle of the desert was a deep well. It was so deep that people could no longer reach the water to drink. They could not even see the water in the well. Sometimes you could feel the damp coolness rising from the well, but there was no way to get the refreshing liquid from its depths. People cannot live in the desert without water. It is hot and it is easy to get lost. The wind changes the shape of the sand. There is nothing green to give shade or for people to eat, so everyone hurries across the sand and dirt to get away from the danger. One day a person crossed the desert. When the person came to the well, the person took time. There was no hurry. The person looked at the well and the little golden strands in the desert. The person picked up a rusty object, but no one could remember what it was for. It was like a big cup you could carry, but where would a person get any water? The person looked again and kicked the golden threads. They seemed out of place. What were they? Other people thought they were silly and went on their way. This person took time. The person went back to the big cup with the handle and then to the deep well. Then the person began to walk around picking up the golden threads and tying them together. The person lowered the bucket into the well and drew forth the refreshing water. The person tasted the water and was changed. When the person went on the way, the bucket and the many strands tied together were left, so the next person could also taste the water. Here, you can taste it too. |
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Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice the Godly Play storytelling:
