Frozen Lake

Dear Readers,

In the Madison winters, the lake froze over as temperatures dropped. I once sat by the frozen lake gazing off into the expansive sheet of ice.

While I observed the ice on the surface, I wondered what laid beneath it. Is there water beneath? What is the temperature below the ice? How far does the water go down? Which sea animals swim underneath? Where do they go?

When looking at the frozen lake, it is much easier to simply see the ice.

But my grandfather, Papa, tells me to “look beyond what the eyes can see.”

As I sat by the lake, I thought about how many aspects of life are simple on the surface. Life becomes more complicated if you dig to understand what lies beneath the surface. Beyond what the eyes can see.

If you are getting to know someone, who are they really? Why are they the way that they are?

If you are having a challenge in life, why? What is causing this? Where does this stem from?

I believe that there is often always a root. There is a root to who all of us are individually. There is a root to why we feel or act the way that we do sometimes. There is a root to why certain situations, experiences, or relationships evolve the way they do.

We stem from our core, which not everyone can see.

Who are you? What makes you unique? What shapes you? What lies beneath your surface? What does your inner world look like?

I have so many questions. We probably all do. About what exactly is going on in this life. Why are things the way that they are? Why are we the way that we are?

I may never know the answers. We do not have all of the answers.

But it is important to question. Ask yourself why.

Curiosity sparks learning. Learning sparks growth. Growth sparks flourishment.

When you look at a frozen lake, don’t just see the ice. Wonder what lies beneath it. The water below the surface may hold mysteries or fascinations way more interesting than the ice you see. The water carries depth and texture.

Love,

Samantha