Waterfall or Falling Water

The Frog and the Fox decided to hike their way out to see a big waterfall. The two friends really loved watching water fall from one big height so waterfalls were really a great bonding activity for the both of them.

On the hike the two friends had a thought, how far does water have to fall before it is considered a waterfall?

"Like would you consider tipping over a glass and all the water falls on the ground a waterfall?" Genevieve, the Frog, asked the Fox.

"Well, hmmm..." Ernest, the Fox, began, "I mean, I wouldn't consider it a waterfall but... I also don't know how to argue that it's not technically a waterfall either."

"Right! See that's what I'm saying," Genevieve continued, "If you're just going by name and what it does it's a waterfall."

Ernest pondered this for a bit. He knew there was some flaw in what Genevieve was saying he just couldn't figure out what it was.

Now by 'flaw' Ernest didn't necessarily mean like a problem with what Genevieve was saying, personally. He just meant more like what is a hole in this reasoning that could be plugged with a little bit of inquiry. 

See, many times folks assume that finding flaws with another’s thinking means you're trying to disagree with them. This is not the case with Genevieve and Ernest’s friendship though. Both of them are acutely aware that by challenging each other and discovering the holes in their reasoning they can each find a more fulfilling and sound answer to nearly any problem they possess.

"I got it!" Ernest exclaimed, "While it could be argued that a water tumbling from a glass onto a floor is falling water it can't be a waterfall because a waterfall requires a continuous source of water to be falling."

"That's a good point!" Genevieve answered, "So really the waterfall is named for both its action as falling water but also for its continuous supply of water that can fall."

"Precisely!" Ernest concurred. Saying 'precisely' always made Ernest feel very smart, like a scientist.

"Indubitably!" Genevieve added. Saying indubitably always made Genevieve feel like she cracked a very complex mystery.

When the two friends arrived at the waterfall they each took in the majestic site. It was as gorgeous and wondrous as they had hoped. The sound of the water falling made them each feel calm and contemplative. In the midst of each of their contemplations of themselves, in this place, in this moment, in this universe, they each took a silent moment to appreciate how the company of a good friend serves to amplify all those emotions. Being with someone who understands you, can talk with you, and unlock some of the deep secrets hidden in plain view, can be the difference between moving through life as falling water or moving through life as a waterfall.