The Posture That Receives: Lessons from the Water Tap

 

Photo credit: Getty images/iStock 

By Babalola Blessing.

I once observed a simple yet striking scene that has stayed with me ever since: a group of Queenites standing in line at a water tap. Each person came with a container, some brought large buckets, others small bowls, a few had bottles. They were all waiting for the same thing: water. But the outcomes varied.

Some with large containers left half-filled, not because the tap failed to flow, but because they grew impatient and left early. Others with smaller containers waited patiently, allowing the slow stream to fill them completely. A few stood right at the front, closest to the source, yet seemed distracted, occasionally spilling what they had received. Meanwhile, those farther back held steady and walked away with every drop they had hoped for.

It wasn’t the size of the container or the position in line that determined how much water each person got, it was their posture. How they waited, how they held their container, how they responded to the pace of the flow. And in that ordinary moment, a profound life principle revealed itself: Your position at the tap matters less than your posture while waiting.

In today’s world, it’s easy to think that being “close to the source”, the influence, opportunity, knowledge, or even spirituality guarantees success. We chase titles, networks, and platforms, hoping that proximity will automatically translate into prosperity . But just as someone standing right under a tap can still leave with an empty container, so can people surrounded by opportunity remain unfulfilled. Position, in and of itself, doesn’t guarantee fruit. Without the right posture, an attitude of attentiveness, humility, and perseverance , opportunity leaks away unnoticed.

The Unseen Discipline of Waiting

Waiting is not a passive activity. It is a discipline, active discipline. It takes strength to remain still when progress feels slow. In the tap scenario, some left because the water wasn’t flowing fast enough for their liking. They had the capacity to carry much more, but lacked the endurance to stay and receive it. In life, this is where many of us tend to miss it. We abandon promising pursuits, relationships, or dreams simply because they don’t pour out results immediately. We believe if it isn’t overflowing now, it never will. But just like a steady trickle can fill a basin over time, consistent, humble waiting fills the soul, sharpens skills, and prepares us for what’s ahead. Do you remember what they say about "little drop of water"? Patience is what makes it a mighty ocean.

Holding the Container Right

Posture is also about readiness. Imagine someone who places their container under the tap, then turns away to chat or scroll through their phone. The water may flow, even abundantly but they’ll miss much of it, or worse, spill what they’ve already received. This speaks to our focus. Being present matters. Whether in learning, working, or growing spiritually, we must be positioned and engaged. Too often, we’re in the right place but distracted. The opportunity we prayed for arrives, but we’re not attentive enough to recognize or receive it.

In essence, posture asks: Are you really here? Are you paying attention? Are you holding your container with care?

The Quiet Dignity of the Ones at the Back

What about those who were last in line, farthest from the source, perhaps overlooked by others? Interestingly, some of them left with full containers too. Why? Because they waited. Because they didn't see their distance as disqualification. Because they believed the source would keep flowing long enough for them to receive.

This is a powerful truth for anyone who feels behind in life. You may not have had the best start, the most connections, or the fastest progress. But if your posture is steady, if you hold your ground with faith, humility, and preparation, your turn will come. And when it does, you will be ready to receive it fully.

The world celebrates those who seem to be in the right places, prestigious schools, top companies, high platforms. But life, more often than not, rewards those with the right posture, The student who listens more than they speak.The entrepreneur who stays grounded through setbacks. The parent who shows up every day without applause.The creative who keeps producing even when no one is watching. They may not be in the spotlight, but they’re aligned, attentive, and ready.

You thought you've missed ? Wait a minute 

The tap is still flowing ,in your work, your relationship with people, you never can tell, the source could be your roommate, your floor mate, a coursemate, your lecturer can be. But don’t be so focused on where you are that you forget how you are. Your posture, your patience, your attention, your humility, all will determine what you’re able receive and achieve from those sources.