the beach [2012]

The beach is always a place of quiet mystery for me. We were able to go with my whole family this year and it was such a wonderful time. I especially enjoyed waking before the sun came up and heading to the beach for a morning walk and time of prayer.

The first morning I felt the Lord just ask me to listen. The waves crashing. The water creeping up the beach. Footsteps of people walking. Seagulls calling to one another. The wind in the grass. Laughter of children. There is something deeply profound about observing the beauty of His creation. From James... be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

My mother loved finding the Coquina shells (they look like tiny angel wings) and they washed up in pairs on our shore. (We don't collect shells that are alive). One day as the tide was going out, we saw hundreds of them wiggling their way back into the sand after the water had washed over them. They would bury themselves back into the sand so quickly that we would stand there after each wave and match in amazement.  How did they know to do this?

Another morning there was a cloud line to the east and I was able to watch as the sun came up. It was the most beautiful sunrise! I just waited in anticipation because each passing moment was more beautiful than the last. From Psalm 73... but as for me, it is good to be near God.