There’s a Hole in My Bucket*

I didn’t expect my original “Bucket” post to multiply, but it has! I do believe this is the last of four and I don’t think you’ll be thanking me for embedding this song in your head, but here goes. My husband actually suggested this to me and, after quickly dismissing it, I found I couldn’t let the thought (or the melody) go.

Poor Henry faces a problem of inordinate proportions when he discovers a hole in his bucket. Stymied, he turns to Liza for advice. It seems pretty obvious to her, but each step she offers leads to a new complication. Henry exasperates Liza and never does fix his bucket—you certainly couldn’t call Henry a go-getter.

I began to think about the holes in my bucket and wondered if, like Henry, I lack the determination to plug them up and content myself with living a leaky existence. You may identify with some of these holes.

1. My heart is bursting with grateful wonder—and then I hear about a friend’s family event or trip or blessing. Envy pokes a hole in my bucket and my gratitude seeps out.
2. I am filled with a sense of purpose—and then I become aware of a criticism. Insecurity pierces my bucket and, drip by drip, my zeal puddles at my feet.
3. I am praising God for my life, for His goodness and blessings—and then I (or someone I love) notice an ache, pain, or lump. Tests are called for and fear stabs a hole in my bucket, allowing my praise to trickle away.
4. I am happy and content, trusting God in matters of the world and of my personal world—and then I hear assessments of society, leaders, governments. Anger punctures my bucket and my confidence dribbles away.

Friends, this is a brief look at the peril of having a hole in our bucket. To myself, and all the other Henrys out there, I quote Liza, “Well, fix it dear Henry, dear Henry fix it!”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Ephesians 5:15

*This song was first published in Germany around 1700.

Photo by Lucas van Oort on Unsplash