I've never been a fan of ice water. I found every time I would drink water with ice in it, I would end up with a freeze headache in the middle of my forehead. Now, I can't get enough.
I suppose it might have something to do with the heat wave we suffered through last week and the week before and the week before that...
I can't seem to keep my mug full of water and ice for very long, constantly heading to the fridge for a refill. I found it helps cool me off, especially with the recent high humidity. When I stand outside in such stifling heat (which I try to do a little as possible), I sweat without any exertion;
that's when I head inside for another mugful. Coming home from running errands on sweltering days also prompts the need for hydration.
But since ice water has never been my choice of drink before, I find it quite odd. I wonder what changed for me. Perhaps now I simply have more of a tolerance for colder things than I used to. Perhaps it's age. (I will not get started on that.;))
I can remember as a youth being so cold in the grocery store shopping with my mother in the summertime. I'd, of course, be wearing shorts and summer top, so lots of skin to be stimulated to the point of goosebumps, especially passing the coldest section of the supermarket: the milk aisle.
Now I have my own kids complaining of the cold in the supermarket with their accompanying goosebumps to prove their discomfort. I explain about the summer temperature colliding with fresh foods that can spoil, prompting the colder atmosphere of the grocery store, hoping it will appease their annoyance. Then I tell them when I was their age, I used to complain about the same thing.
Now I find the cooler air and the cooler beverage to be downright refreshing.
You know what else I find refreshing?
A nice compliment from a sincere person; someone holding a door open for me; when my husband calls just to say hi and see how my day is going; or when my cat Sophie is curled up on my lap, looking up into my face, her purr box on.
But what do I find most refreshing?
Taking the time to be with Someone who enjoys taking refreshment with me in conversation and communion (Rev.3:20). He's a good listener and always gives great advice (Isa. 9:6) Listening to His stories (and He is the best Storyteller), absorbing His presence (peaceful and calming), and seeing His countenance (often with a smile on His face) is often just what I need for the day, a great prescription from the Great Physician.
Just like a cold glass of ice water.
Have you been refreshed lately?
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