I have this new thing for water. I mean, I know it’s a necessity of life and all, but beyond that is seems to suddenly represent so much more to me. Peace, strength, fluidity, changeability, memories of growing up on a lake, healing, nourishing, a magnificent creation from God, fascinating and mysterious.
A couple of years ago I read an interview with Michelle Williams and was dumb struck by the beauty of what she said: “‘I want to be like water. I want to slip through fingers, but hold up a ship.” Water is beyond comprehension, and I can’t say it any better than she did. But in many ways we are like water. We flow and change. We nourish others. We crash on the shore. We are needed and we are good, but we can be dangerous. Sometimes we fall from the sky.
I met an elderly man at a bar a few weeks ago. He parked his wheelchair behind me and hobbled to the bar stool to my right. His hair was a mess and I’m not sure his mind was all there either, but he was friendly and sweet. He told me about his artificial hip that has been recalled, how he usually drinks vodka martinis but that day was too hot so instead he ordered a water and a beer. And he told me how he believes that water has healing powers, that water is what’s helped him progress from being in his wheel chair to being able to shuffle to the bar. (He also said he doesn’t take pain medicine because drinking does the trick). Though his credibility is questionable, he might be on to something.
Still further, deep in a conversation with a friend, we were discussing being a “glass half full” person verses the alternative. My friend argued, “what does it matter, both people have half a glass of water”. “Oh, no,” I responded. “It’s all about perception. Wouldn’t you prefer to set your focus on what you have than what you don’t have?” He digressed.
Most amazingly, after this sudden romance with water had started, I was searching for Bible verses that reference “strength”. I went to (where else?) bible.com and pulled up a list of 232 verses. I selected a higher numbered page aiming for New Testament and scrolled the verses haphazardly. The first one I read brought me back to water again:
Isaiah: 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well watered garden, like an ever flowing spring.
“Yes,” I thought to myself. “I want that!” And maybe to hold up a ship.
*My brother took the amazing photo above. Click the pic or here to see his website!
“I want God to play in my bloodstream the way sunlight amuses itself on the water.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)
I just loved that quote from Michelle Williams too! Your blog is so inspiring to read!
Thank you! I feel like I’m starting to hit a stride. Please keep coming back!
I enjoyed visiting your blog and this post in particular. I’ve subscribed!
I came to your blog through the Freshly Pressed post. Although that too is lovely, I could connect with this one a LOT more.
I want to be able to hold up a ship too. And yet be fluid enough to flow when I need to flow… to fill in crevices where there is emptiness.
Beautiful… I can now believe you when you say you love metaphors.
I love them too.
Keep writing, who knows how many people are taking notes and gleaning insights from you…?
Dagny
In Feng Shui, water also represents money.
Impacting post, Kimberly! (Do you ever go by “Kim”?) That’s really interesting that some of the more abstract and figurative properties of water have been on both of our minds lately, and even more interesting that we both cited scripture in our water-themed posts. I love your writing, and derive a lot of enjoyment from your posts. Thank you for the comment on my blog, by the way. I feel like it would probably be in the universe’s best interest if we become friends.
Always Kimberly, except for a few select family members.
I agree, it probably would!
Great to read. I like the bible verse you mentioned here… Just what I needed…
Pingback: I Write A Little « The Ooh La La Life
I love this more whenever I read it. Shared it again today…
Thanks Dagny!! xoxo
You have no idea how people love this piece. Lots of flowing your way today. Bless you.
xoxo
Lots of love*