Drink Deeply

I went for a walk along a stone path lined with Silver Maples and Evergreens on one side and a gently flowing pond on the other. Although the water was rather murky, the sound of it was lulling and inviting. So inviting, in fact, that one of the trees had stretched one of its limbs over the entire path in an enormous arch and then dipped down in to the water. It reminded me of a rainbow or the delicate arm of a ballerina poised just so. And it made me wonder if there are some living things that thirst for water more than others. While all of the other trees were content to get their nourishment down at the roots, here was this one that struggled to be immersed at both ends.

I think many of us are like that tree, thirsting to experience life in a deep and meaningful way. We don't accept status quo and we're not content with just enough. We hunger for more. Sometimes I think this desire is my best asset and my heaviest cross. And yet, I believe that in this search for deeper fulfillment, we experience a greater depth in our relationships with others and with God. Perhaps we cry a little more, but I believe we love a little deeper as well.

I am greedy when it comes to what I want out of life. I want it all. I want to love my kids and my husband with an incomparable love. That is not saying that I always succeed, but that is my desire. I want to take chances and come out stronger on the other side. I want to fill the lives of those around me with magic. Sometimes I fill their life with griping and boo-hooing, but I'm working on it. And at the end of the day, I want to be content knowing that I have done my best.

Jump in with both feet! Do a somersault while you're at it. Get soaking wet with the richness of life. You may get a little muddy, but my guess is it will be well worth it.