Life Lesson 

As I put my toes in the sand, I sink into its warmth.  The dry land embraces my feet.  It makes me aware that I must choose.  Yes, I must decide which direction I move toward the ocean.  Should I walk on the shells, wince and complain?  Perhaps, I need to take more steps on a smoother turf to reach my destiny.  Each step is a process of sinking and selecting.  This awareness reminds me of life.  I may choose to retreat and just stand on the boardwalk and not enter into the clement waters.  I can see the cerulean hues and hear the swish of waves.  This is pleasant and comfortable.

Then, I crave more.  I select a different path to the ocean.  The sand is lukewarm, soft, filled with lovely childhood memories. The sunshine on my skin soaks into my bones.  The balmy breeze brushes my face as I step into the water.  Suddenly, I encounter the waves of life.  They wash around me and sometimes make me off balance.  I must commit myself again.  Do I want comfort or understanding?  I see something shining under the water.  I reach for it just as an oncoming wave snatches it from my sight.  The treasure is gone.  It has been washed out to sea.  Do I quit?  Do I give up?

I choose to stay.  I fight the salty waves trying to push me down.  I ground my feet into the wet sand below.  I am a warrior.  I rest in the position I am in and reach toward the Almighty.  I know He is with me.  I am certain He cares about my destiny because He created me for it.  I am not a robot, so He doesn’t make my choices.  I choose my path, my balance, and my way of reaching and trying.  I reach again for the diamond beneath the water and, this time, I catch it.  It is a pointed shell broken but still lovely with its alabaster finish.  Broken yet beautiful.  I like how smooth it feels and how in the sunshine it reflects rainbows of light and color.  I have received a gift from the hands of the tide. For this I am grateful.

Psalm 36:5, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (NIV)

A Praise To Our Creator

 

A Praise to our Creator 

            The sea has a life of its own.  I can hear the waves hitting the sand one block away.  Its force announces its power.  In the night, it sounds like a growling animal hidden beneath the stars and darkness. 

            Early morning red sun creates pink and golden light patterns in the gentle waves.  Now, the sounds are soft and melodious.  Early fisherman and pelicans seek the first fruits of the morning, the first whites, snappers, and red fish.  Small little shore birds dive for baby crabs and other little creatures that call the ocean, home.

The loud screaming sun is a magnet to the sea.  Warming waters call swimmers to move from the shore to the water.  Walkers venture into ankle deep waves to enhance their walk on the seashore.  The ocean becomes a playground to children, adults, and fisherman.   This magnificent body of water is an endless pool of adventure.

Evening sun sets dramatically on the horizon.  The liquid sun bounces along where sky meets sea.  The audience is ding into the sea.  As it sizzles down into the water, applauds and the blowing of conch shells used as horns can be heard all down the shoreline. 

Porpoises play.  Sharks skim.  Pelicans dive.  It is their home, their sanctuary, and their shelter.   The majestic ocean is a reflection of its Creator with unknown depths, meaningful happenings, beauty beyond comprehension,  a constant truth, and a known presence.  I am in awe of our Creator.