Reflections: Lakes and Life
Spring has arrived in Minnesota and as the ice disappears from our waters, I’m struck by how the lakes that dot our landscape are a lot like life itself.
Like a lake, life is something to reflect on and dive into. We can stare at the surface and see images of ourselves. Yet to find the wonder that’s within we need to probe deeper.
Underneath the oft-calm surface, a lake is teeming with life. Within each of us, an abundance of life exists and whole other lives may be waiting to be lived. Call them the riches of the deep. Sometimes they need to be lured out. And other times they surface on their own like a fish splashing out of the water in search of an evening meal.
But lakes and lives aren’t always calm. Sometimes there are waves. We must learn to ride the waves, much like a seagull bobbing along the waters on a rough lake. Waterfowl know that fighting the waves is often futile; better to conserve the energy for when one has more control. And, anyway, soon the waves subside and calm is restored.
A lake is deep in some areas and shallow in others. Aren’t we all a bit like that, too, with strengths and weaknesses unique to each of us? To navigate life’s waters we need to acknowledge our shallow spots and realize that we have depth in other areas so we don’t run aground or get in over our heads.
Many lakes are weedy in some areas and weed-free in others. The weeds serve a purpose. They play host to a bounty of life and filter out pollution. There are weeds in life, too, often hiding the accomplishments and joys we seek. Like a fisherperson, we need pay heed to the weeds so we don’t become entangled in them. And we need to work our way carefully and mindfully through them so that we can discover the hidden benefits that lay within.
A pristine lake is clear because it has been untouched by pollution. Our lives begin with the pureness found only in the remotest mountain lake. Throughout life we struggle to keep it that way. But the ugliness of all that is around us creeps in and too often we despair.
Fortunately, the process of refreshing life is much easier than cleaning up a polluted lake. Reflection and honesty with one’s self go a long way toward rejuvenation.
Late in summer, lakes experience stagnation – dog days. We all go through seasons when our lives seem to stop. We need to realize that it’s only temporary. Soon the dog days pass and vibrancy is restored.
A lake is multi-functional. It serves the needs of many people. It hosts recreational activities such as swimming and fishing. For others, a lake is a place of peace and wonder. Life is multi-dimensional, too. We must learn to share our lives with one another, giving and taking, and giving again. We must accept others not for what they do or who they are but acknowledge that each life has meaning and purpose.
Perhaps our lives are most like a lake in that they both are in a constant state of change. Healthy lakes and healthy lives are continually diversifying, playing host to new and exciting patterns of activity and meaning. Only through constant change and continual discovery do we grow and bring rejuvenation and purpose to each day.