Making Waves

Summer is approaching and for many of us that might bring to mind thoughts of water. And not just drinking more water in the heat of the day. Being on the water or in the water. And not just in our bathtubs or hot tubs. At a beach or on a lake or in a river. Swimming. Jet skiing. Surfing. Making sandcastles and watching the waves wash them away. Kayaking. Cruising on a pontoon boat with friends and family. Dipping and diving and floating and filling up our souls with the healing water holds.

We need water in so many ways. It’s in us. Our bodies are almost two-thirds water. These remarkable vessels we inhabit would not live but a few days without taking in water. As with all living things we require it. But it can also bring great pleasure. Hearing the sound of a river or a waterfall or of the gently pulsing waves of the ocean can soothe our spirits and even lull us to sleep. We may find bodies of water mesmerizing with their movement and their mystery. This simple compound called water is truly astounding. And it is life-giving.

The substance shows up in our language as well. We speak of not wanting to “make waves” when we’re trying to keep the peace in our families rather than “rocking the boat.” An experience such as reacting to a loud noise in public can be infectious, causing a “ripple effect.” We may at times feel that we are “under water” when projects or tasks or bills pile up. In sports stadiums and event arenas, it was once wildly popular (and may yet be) for fans to break into “the wave,” circulating the lifting of arms through the crowd. And, of course, someone who is grossly mistaken about something is “all wet”!

But could it be that “making waves” might be stirring in a positive way? Could a “ripple effect” spread joy and spark kindness? Is being “all wet” necessarily embarrassing or could it possibly be a way of thinking of oneself as saturated in, say, grace or love, and especially if one is a baptized person? If we stop for a moment and ponder the quiet effects we have on others by our words or actions or expressions or gestures, we might realize that our gentleness or patience or contentment or generosity could engender the same in others. Could we flood our community with compassion? Would we rock this boat called earth with waves of peace deep enough to lull violence and hatred to sleep? Just how, dear ones, are we making waves?