A Kiss from Rose | You Don’t Miss Your Water Until Your Well Runs Dry

My Grandmother, Rosa Frasier, often repeated the saying, "You don't miss your water until your well runs dry." One day, my curiosity got the better of me, and I asked her what it meant. She explained that it means people often take things for granted until they lose them. Only in their absence do we truly realize their value.

In everyday life, this can manifest in various ways. For instance, consider the convenience of modern technology. We might take for granted how easy it is to communicate with loved ones across the world until we experience a power outage or lose internet connectivity. Similarly, we might not fully appreciate the presence of a supportive friend until they move away or we have a falling out. The same is true for a great partner or relationship. Often, we become so accustomed to their love, support, and companionship that we overlook their significance. It's only when the relationship ends that we realize how much they truly meant to us.

This saying also ties closely with the concept of regret. Often, we don't realize the worth of certain people, opportunities, or resources until they are no longer available to us. This realization can lead to feelings of regret, where we wish we had acted differently when we had the chance.

A biblical example of this can be found in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The younger son, eager to enjoy his inheritance, asks his father for his share of the estate and leaves home. He squanders his wealth on reckless living and soon finds himself in dire need, working in a pigsty just to survive. It is only after losing everything that he recognizes the value of his father's home and the life he had. Filled with regret, he returns home, where his father welcomes him back with open arms, illustrating the powerful lessons of realization and redemption.

Reflecting on this, have you ever experienced a moment where your "water ran dry"? What do you regret most about the actions you took or didn't take in those situations? It's important to consider whether you accept responsibility for those moments or if you find yourself playing the blame game. Accepting responsibility can be a powerful step toward personal growth and ensuring we cherish what we have before it's gone.

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“ I remember being cut off from my auntie due to my behavior. My well was so dry, lol! I apologized and that never happened again! - Alston Shropshire