Thirsty?

My church is going through a Max Lucado book & study called "Come Thirsty". In it he urges Christians to drink deeply of all that Christ offers and to take time to receive from him (because our focus tends to be too much on doing and giving). As I've thought about this, it's occurred to me just how often I neglect both my spiritual and physical needs.

My body doesn't do a very good job telling me when I'm dehydrated. I frequently don't drink anything when eating a meal. There are many days when I consume no more than about 24 ounces of any liquid. This is not good for me. (Naomi gets on me about this frequently, much to her credit). So I get dehydrated, which often leads to headaches. The headache is my body's way of telling me I need more fluids. For most people, getting thirsty is the body's way of sending that message. My body's thirst mechanism seems a little messed up.

Spiritually, I think I'm the same way. How do I know when I'm spiritually in need of refreshment? I don't really feel thirsty in my soul. More often that not I can tell only when I start to experience certain "headaches" that come when I'm working out of my flesh or neglecting communion with the Lord: the fruits of the Spirit don't show up as often in me; I might be cranky or impatient. These are the "headaches" -- the relational aches and pains -- that demonstrate a spiritual thirst -- one which can be simply addressed by drinking deeply of what the Lord offers.

Lord, help me to be more aware of my need for you and to partake more often of the streams of living water that can be found in prayer to you, worship of you and simple time spent with you.