Puddles, Possibilities, and Walking on Water

Mobile: El Charco (The Puddle)

On puddles

“But it’s in the way,” said bear.
“Or is it *you* that’s in the way?” laughed squirrel, splashing across to the other side.

Mobile: El Charco (The Puddle)

Thoughts while making
I heard her laughter before I looked out the window.

She was standing at the foot of my driveway.

Green boots. Red jacket. A smile lit to warm cold places.

When it’s raining, a puddle (more like a pond) forms where my driveway meets the street.

It’s not “supposed” to be there. It’s a sign that something isn’t right, a problem. Things not flowing correctly.

On days like today, the black asphalt beneath makes that pool feel endlessly deep.

Yet there she stood at the edge, this tiny girl looking from her mom to the puddle and back again.

And then with a riot of laughter before her boots even left the ground, she took a tiny leap forward.

And again.

And again.

Unaware of a world off kilter, she splashed. She laughed. She splashed. She laughed.

Years ago, I was backpacking in Italy in the fall.

With heavy rains, these puddle ponds were everywhere, making it a challenge to keep anything dry.

It was frustrating.

Yet, in Rome, I saw a boy walking on water (see below).

And that image of ripples echoing out from his shoes as he took his careful steps, a world reflected, has stuck with me ever since.

We don’t have to see every puddle as an opportunity; sometimes just knowing someone else might be is enough.

What’s one affirmation or action you can share with yourself or another today that will help create a positive ripple in a hurting world?