Be Like Water

Here we are, rolling through February, and I saw this quote that really hit me. I thought, “Man, that’s really good.” I want to share it with you and unpack how I feel about it because I think it’s something we all need to adopt and think about.

It might sound a little corny at first, but it has depth in a really special way:

Be like water. Not luxurious, but valuable for life.

We often think we need to be excellent, over-the-top, extraordinary. Social media adds to that. Our love for sports, movies, music, fame—it all feeds into the idea that we need to stand out.

But our bodies are made up of 70% water. Our planet is covered with rivers, streams, and oceans. Water is essential for life. It’s how flowers grow. We all need it.

Now, translate that to yourself. Be valuable.

How can you be like water in your family, how can you be like water among your team?
How can you be like water to your children, how can you be like water to your community?

Water isn’t flashy or luxurious. We even go out of our way to flavor it, to make it taste like something else. But when you’re in trauma and rushed to the emergency room, one of the first things they do is hook you up to water—saline solution, electrolytes, the essentials your body needs.

If you’ve ever seen someone suffer from heat-related illness, you know how critical hydration is. I remember a time in the Marine Corps when I got so dehydrated that I had massive muscle cramps in my stomach, thighs, and biceps. Every major muscle group in my body was depleted of potassium and electrolytes. My body ached. I got sick. It hurt so badly.

Now, think about your community. The people you serve. Many of them are depleted of what they need most—you.

The power you have through the work you do is like water. You can bring life into your relationships. You can be something that is truly valuable. And when you do, you’ll see transformation—within your family, your team, your community, and the people you work with. Imagine the impact of being valuable in a moment when someone really needs it.

Something for you to ponder this week. God bless you. Have a wonderful week. I’ll talk to you next week.

Oh, and don’t forget—be valuable. Nothing else will do.