• Pastor Suzanne began by suggesting that some gifts require humility and a learning curve before we can appreciate their value and benefits.  For many of us, this is true for the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
• John 19:30-34 invites us to see that Jesus didn't just violently die on the cross, but he also entrusted the Spirit to the world, in much the same way people leave an inheritance of value to others.  
• John visualizes this poetically as water pouring from Jesus' side on the cross after he died.  Suzanne reminded us of the numerous times in the Bible where the Spirit is portrayed as living water that satisfies and brings life.
• Will we commit to learning about the Holy Spirit or simply receive the gift and then put it on a back shelf of our faith?  Neglecting the gift of the Spirit because we don't understand robs us of life, power and the experience of God's presence in our life.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever received a gift that you didn't value or understand immediately?  What was your response and how did your appreciation evolve?   How does this analogy help you think about the gift of the Holy Spirit? 

• Have you ever received an extravagant gift or one that was very costly for the person who gave it? How did that make you feel? How might reflecting on the extravagance of what Jesus did on the cross help you appreciate the gift of the Spirit?
• Where are you thirsty right now? What are you longing for in your life and walk with God and others? Imagine yourself at the base of the waterfall captured by Melanie Pike, receiving all the love and life that pours out of Jesus.
• Where are your questions or even fears about the Holy Spirit?