Open Spaces

There is an ancient story about a man who moved his family and all that he had to a new place. Because it would be impossible for them to survive in this new place without water, he had his servants dig a well. They were successful however shortly after digging the well, the man’s enemies filled it up with dirt during the night. This process happened several times. Servants would dig a well only to have enemies fill it up again.

Eventually, the enemies gave up. And when this man realized that the well that was dug the previous day was still accessible the next morning he decided to name it. The name translates into our language as “open space”. He chose that name because he now had assurance that he would be able to prosper in the new space in which he found himself.

When I read the story, I was at first taken by the determination and persistence that it took to keep digging wells. I believe I would have given up and tried another location further away from enemies and any other obstacles. But I realize that is a contemporary way of thinking and those in ancient times did not have the options I do today. They had to make it work or they would not survive. What a relief it must have been then to awaken to fresh water. No wonder he chose “open space” to name a well that promised hope.

This story has also caused me to ask myself some deeper questions about my own tight and open spaces. Do I have a well, a source that sustains me? Do I need to dig a well, realizing that what I once thought I could rely on doesn’t serve me anymore? Do I have the determination and persistence to keep going? What works and what doesn’t work in this new space I am in? How will it feel to be in an open space once again?

May we all take some time to reflect upon where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. May we dig wells that sustain us and the courage to step into our new open spaces.

Cherie Shaw, CPE Intern