Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you that I
love metaphors…and beaches. So the phrase “Life’s a beach” may be my favorite
as it is a metaphor about a beach. I see them everywhere, but especially while I’m at the beach.
The last time I was here there were almost no waves. It did
not appear that there was much happening based on what I could see. But as I
sat and listened, the one who filled the oceans reminded me that just below the
surface fish were swimming, plants were growing, seashells were being formed.
Once again He said to me “Your ability to see life is not necessary for it to
exist.” Remember faith is the
substance of things hoped for the evidence of things NOT seen. (Heb. 11:1)
I see waves as a metaphor for God’s voice. And just as they
never stop crashing onto the shoreline, He never stops speaking. I always think
the sound is beautiful from my balcony. However the closer I get, I realize I
wasn’t fully hearing the strength and intensity of each wave. God’s voice is
like that. When I walk right next to Him, I hear more clearly and understand
the intense desire of His heart.
‘How precious
are the thoughts you think of me. Can anybody count them? They are greater than
the sands by the sea”. This song lyric makes think of how the sand gets into
places I didn’t know it could reach. His thoughts of me are that way
too…reaching unexpected places deep in my heart. The sand also exfoliates the rough spots on my feet and
gently removes the paint on my toes. And when I become aware of His thoughts of
love for me, the things I’ve tried to make look pretty are purified and the
rough places in my soul are made smooth.
The seabirds are also interesting. Today I watched young
seagulls fly near the shoreline where small fish could be caught and swallowed
as they flew off. They were learning so repetition was a necessity. The large
brown pelicans flew elegantly over much deeper water. Their dive was deeper,
and their catch was larger. After catching they sat on top of the water to
digest their meal before returning to the air. Just like these birds, when I
was young, it took some practice, but small words from Him sustained me and
tasted like honey. As I matured in my relationship with God my desire for deeper
truths increased and sometimes when He speaks, I need to take a minute to
digest what I heard.
Just like most people, I come to the beach to unplug, unwind
and chill out. My body synchronizes very easily to the rhythms of beach life. And
I find that when I am relaxed, I hear very easily what my creator is speaking
to me through one of His most beautiful creations.
