ess
and Being Human
developed over centuries would not be what they are
without the roles that water plays on planet Earth.
When it comes to water, we humans appear to be
situated in cycles and processes that provide for our
needs and enable our development.
The Earth’s water doesn’t always suit our needs.
Water can be threatening. When the Red River rises
bit by bit across southern Manitoba, threatening to
fill every trench and climb every dike, there is little to
feel but dread. When the Bow reaches far beyond its
banks, crashing through towns and destroying urban
environments, we are afraid. Water on the rampage
has power beyond our control.
There is more about water than our needs and our
fears. Water also provides pleasure — sometimes even
joy. A long drink of cool water on a hot, sweaty day
satisfies us. A tumbling waterfall throwing up clouds
of mist as it splatters on smooth rocks astounds us.
The sight and sound of waves soothe us. The feel of
soapy water on our skin refreshes us. The scrape of
sharp blades on hard ice is music to our ears. A world
without water’s pleasures would be a duller world.
We shouldn’t be surprised that water rituals play
significant roles in many of our religions. Water
shows what we are — creatures interacting
with a complex environment that
sustains us. Whatever powers we
may possess, we have certain
fragilities too. Water uncovers
them, but it also uncovers
something else. We have the
capacity for delight. ●
Lloyd Den Boer is retiring
as Dean of Education at The
King’s University after a career
in teaching at every level from
elementary school to teacher
preparation.
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