Day 29: The ocean

The boys jumped out of the RV and ran for the sand and straight to the waves that were barreling in.  

I think every mom has that 20 second size up. How dangerous are these waves? How close should I let them get? Are there any signs off dangerous wildlife? What is the ideal spot to set up camp so I can watch everyone?

These waves were moderately scary when we arrived but papa was ready to dive straight in with the kids while the women set camp.  

I brought my chair close enough to the waves that i could grab a kid with a dead sprint but far enough away that Zander,  who was happy to play in the sand,  would not shift his attention to water. I watched the waves roll in powerful,  thunderous.  They were little waves by ocean standards but even small ocean waves have a power that command respect.  

The sun shone. The breeze blew.  I settled into my chair and sighed deeply into a letting go. A day at the beach.  My mind empty,  watching the water and the happy children playing. I didn't even want a book.  Just to be.  Present with the water,  the smell of the salty air,  the sounds of waves lapping against the shore with the occasional bird calling in the distance,  the warmth of the sun on my skin and a cold bottle of water.  

There is something about the ocean that connects me to God. The vastness,  the power,  the beauty.  I feel small and humble next to it realizing how dangerous and life giving it is. I think about how much I know about the ocean,  but when I get up close,  I experience only a fraction of what the ocean is.  I am reminded of how much of a mystery God is.  Known but unknown.  Powerful and life giving. I am so small and as much as I can learn and practice faith, it is only a fraction of who God is or the depths of God's presence. 

But whether I understand it or not,  the ocean heals me and refills my tank in ways I cannot fully grasp.  And it is so with the spirit. Though I may not fully grasp the work,  the Spirit makes me whole and heals me in hidden ways.