The Parched Garden" continues the couple's progression after "Roses Amidst the Thorn". In Roses, we experience the birth, the spiritual co-existence and the unforeseen crumbling of the couple's relationship. The couple finds themselves in a season of dryness. They now live in the wilderness of a broken relationship. They experience place within themselves where they find no reprieve or solace. They don't understand what has happened and why God seems to have not helped them find answers to their questions. Though the separation has come, there exist a spiritual connection which continues to bind the couple. They are very much aware of the hurt and pride keeping them from reaching out to each other. Instead of forming a mutual bridge of communication, they begin to search within themselves looking for understanding and insight. They search for what has brought them to this place. They try to make sense of the devastation left behind; to understand the indifference of their families and close friends, to judge whether their shaken foundation is beyond repair. Finally, to grasp some insight that allows them to know that they will come through their experience. Knowing within themselves that forgiveness and reconciliation are possibilities the couple must endure the winter season of their relationship. At its end, they will either continue as a couple or part as individuals who have grown from this ordeal. In God's silence towards them, He still draws them closer to Him. He brings them closer to "The Living Water" that can only quench the thirst of those who have dwelled in this spiritual wilderness. For in this wilderness, water is available to any who choose to dig deep enough! "The Parched Garden" is the internal spiritual struggle to keep digging for "The Healing Living Water", so that we learn to nourish the spiritual gardens inside ourselves. We must learn to love ourselves as much as our heavenly Father loves us. Thereby allowing us to extend that love and forgiveness unconditionally to others! Lark