Beneath the surface

I love living by a lake. Toes in the sand. Waves lapping at my ankles. Sounds of wind and water. But in winter, those experiences go away, hidden under ice.

Some people’s lives go through similar transitions. From alive and joyful to cold and frozen. The cold winter winds of life creating a layer of ice on the surface. Ice that can be smooth and reflective or ice that is rigid and sharp. One often looks like everything is ok, still creating a cold shell. The other lashes out, boldly exhibiting the pain.

Underneath water still flows. Although chilly, life still remains below. Not all is lost; it’s simply hidden beneath the surface.

If you experience someone in a season of winter in their life, how can you help break through the ice? By grabbing a pick and chucking away, hoping to break through the surface? Or by providing a warm spring breeze? While a pick can be effective, the work is hard and often damaging to the person on the other end. Proceed with caution when considering this method.

The better method is typically a warm breeze. Words of encouragement. Acts of mercy and compassion. Presence. These often thaw even the most challenging ice.

But beware. You will not be able to thaw every icy lake you encounter. For some, the timing may not be good. For others, you may not be the right person to bring the breeze. Remember it is not any one person’s responsibility to help everyone. Sometimes, you will need to walk away, knowing this work belongs to another.

If you’re reading this as a frozen lake, you may feel no one can thaw the ice. Rest assured spring is coming. Maybe not as soon or as quickly as you would like, but a warm breeze will arrive, often from a direction you never expected.

Regardless of which side of the ice you find yourself today, remember there is always life beneath the surface, no matter how thick the ice. In that, we can all find hope.