SHALLOW WATERS (going swimming Ninang?)

I think too much. My husband always tells me that. I think it’s mostly a girl problem, though there are some exceptions. We tend to project ourselves and all situations to the future. We tend to “sit” on a thought, an emotion, worry, anxiety. One thought leads to another, lingering, cascading. Halt!

I think too much. When I was in college, every weekend and vacation I would tell my dad I don’t want to study anymore. That I don’t want to be a doctor because I’m tired studying. But then weekdays and schooldays come and I study and relatively do well. My dad said vacation makes me think too much. That it’s better if I was in school channeling my thoughts to what is required. He has a point.

“Thinking too deeply makes you sad Mommy,” my daughter told me. I was airing thoughts bothering me and she sensed I was in low spirits having some unexpected challenges. My spirit got lifted from the “deep”.  And I added, “you’re right! Better just to be in the ‘shallow’ and lighter side of things.”  My thoughts went further.   Indeed, it’s safer in shallow waters.  You can always stand up when you’re tired swimming.   We just have to deal with the task at hand, one step at a time– “shallow waters.”  I won’t think too much.

We can drown in the deep. When we don’t know where we are going. When we are just exploring. When we are alone.. in our thoughts. Deep waters require a diving gear (if you will dive further down Ninang!). Deep waters should be explored in the company of others, with a goal of when to stop. Do you want to see more beauty? Or do you just want to bask in darkness?

Head towards shallow waters. Head to where there is light (and little chance of drowning Ninang!) – where friends and family can see you (and save you Ninang!). Head towards the safety of faith, hope, and love. To that which gives, than what tries to get. Head away from the depths of self, of the “I can know all,” and “I can do all”. Don’t think too much.

I believe, there is only one type of deep thinking we are instructed to engage in. And it’s not about what will happen in the future or weighing what could be. It’s not about the past and what could have been. It’s not dwelling in the emotions of our current situation and challenges. It’s soaking ourselves in the word of God. And God instructs us with a promise.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

This is the only deep thinking that will be fruitful. The only “deep” we must go to. Towards the presence of our God. The only deep with immeasurable light.

– Ninang deep thoughts while heading towards shallow waters

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)