Fountains and Drains
On the day that I am typing these words, I heard a man use an interesting expression as he was interviewed on a radio program. I found out as I listened to the man who used it that it is, as he said, one of those “old sayings.”
I suppose that I need to do more reading, listening, and/or something because it was the first time I’d heard it. I am quite sure that it will not be the last time I think about it.
The man, who is a coach of an athletic team I don’t even follow, was talking about how some people are fountains and how others are drains. He was telling the man who was interviewing him that he encourages his team and others to be fountains and not drains.
According to him (and “the old saying”) people who are “fountains” bring beauty, life, and freshness to others; to relationships; to the workplaces; etc. On the other hand, those who are “drains” can (in his words) “suck the life out of” these same things.
As I listened and later thought about what he said, I was reminded of a statement I displayed in an office I once used. Its message was:
Everybody brings joy to this office.
Some when they enter; others when they leave.
I am certain that you have seen both types of individuals. You know who the “fountains” are in your life. As soon as you hear the names and/or think of these people, you smile. Your mind is flooded with great memories of enjoyable times spent with them. These are the people who really know you; who truly care about you; who have constantly and consistently been there for you. It is not all about fun and excitement. The reason you smile when you hear these names may be because these people sat and cried with you when that was just what you needed at the time.
Unfortunately, most of us can also recall names of the “drains” in our lives. These are the people you would just as soon avoid contacting in any way. You dread seeing certain names on your caller ID. You know you are in for a long session of gossip, complaining, etc. When you see certain people heading your way (yes, even at church), your mood does not improve. You know that what you are about to experience is summed up fairly well in the old song that some of us heard years ago on the old television show “Hee Haw:”
Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me.
We laughed when we heard that song then. We find it difficult to even smile when we think of the “drains” in our lives.
I see the same face multiple times a day. I see it when I shave; comb my hair; brush my teeth; etc. I wonder if I’m looking at a fountain or a drain.
More specifically, I wonder how those around me see me. Do I make their lives better or do thoughts of (and interactions with) me make them bitter?
How about you?
Do you try to be a fountain or a drain?
As I think of the answers to those questions, I also think about what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to an entire church:
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (Phil. 1:3).
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
