Just like everyone else, my summer was a little different. For us, no family gatherings, no pre-memorial day food to test out the grill, no Memorial Day cookout, no July 4th festivities with ALL of our friends and family and whosoever will, no short excursions away with friends and NO FAMILY VACATION. All the things that we traditionally do during the summer were scrapped. And I was feeling a desperate NEED to get to the ocean. It was calling me! For the most part, my youngest daughter Briya had been in the house since March so I used her “wellbeing” and my proclaimed month long birthday celebration as legitimate justification for us to steal away. We jumped in the car and headed to the Outer Banks. I drove and listened to music. She listened to music on her earbuds and watched everything. From time to time she launched into a monologue about… well, anything; education reform, political philosophy, mental health. She talked. I listened. She talked more. I asked probing questions. She talked. I mostly agreed. When she put her earbuds back in signaling the conversation was over, I cut my car volume up until the next interlude. We arrived and got settled.
I jumped up the next morning, grabbed a cup of bad coffee and headed outside to catch the ocean sunrise. I don’t know too many things that I love more than watching and listening to the waves crash against the shore. I think about everything—gravity, sand, fish, high tide, the precision of the science, prehistoric sea creatures. It’s all so amazing. Then I put in my earbuds and listened to Chandler Moore sing Most Beautiful as I watched the sunrise. Tears trickled down my cheeks. When I see the vastness, wonder, and beauty of the ocean, I am reminded of God. I contemplate what kind of imagination He must have to create such a perfect wonder. Watching the ocean, I somehow know that all that I face pales in comparison to his greatness. If he could create an entire ocean, then He can certainly handle the details of my life. He’s bigger and greater than the racism in our country, divisive political systems, COVID-19, senseless murders, and hateful people. And it’s not that I pretend that those things don’t exist. It is not that I become complacent. But seeing that ocean helps me to remember to put things in perspective, reminding me that no matter what is happening in my personal life, this nation, or the entire world that Jesus is high above it all.
Then I am strengthened. In these very challenging times, what is your ocean? What do you need to do to regain perspective? Maybe it’s listening to a song in the car, reading a favorite passage or a poem, going for a long walk or having virtual tea with a friend or mentor. Whatever you do, let it be something that reminds you that your God is greater and high above it all and can handle all that you are facing.
For you, LORD, are the Most High over the whole earth; you are exalted above all the gods. Psalm 97:9 CSB
What is my ocean? This morning it is reading this blog and feeling the way the faith and strength of your sunrise shines on Briya and all of us (and hers on you). Being reminded we can all let our sunrise shine through us the same way. Thank you.
Thanks Janneke! I feel the same way about you and yes, I think we should keep encouraging each other!
This is so touching and feels like a warm blanket by a crackling fireplace. It soothed my spirit and helped me to reboot my mind and thinking. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Thanks Ms. Ida for sharing your thoughts. I absolutely love the warm blanket analogy!
The beautiful scene of the ocean is very comforting for me, wish I could be there relaxing in the morning breeze. Sometime I can ask God to just take me away to a place of peace and comfort right here at home, asking him to help me clear my mind of thoughts concerning the cares and issues of this world. It is a joy to know that I can walk into his presence at anytime and he is always there. I give him all the praise and glory. Enjoy your ocean! Love you!
That’s beautiful Ms. LaVerne! I love that you bring up that we can have his peace and comfort no matter where we find ourselves.
This brings it all back into perspective. God is above “it” ALL. Whatever that “it” is, “it” never took Our omniscient God by surprise. I am gaining a new perspective on trials as they come and go. I am learning that no matter what the situation is, it is a capacity-building moment that defines the depth of who I am in Him as His creation. It is amazing to know that this God- who created All- is seeking to reside in an unworthy vessel like me. My reverence and my honor is unspeakable!
Thanks for sharing this Teresa! It is a different perspective to see our trials as “capacity building” moments. It is amazing that he loves us in spite of us!
Sigh.
AMEN.
Other than that – NO Words.
Other than: Love You.
(Have been dreaming about running away for a day -thank you for the confirmation, dear Sister.)
There, I am strengthened.. I love that line! High above it all. I forget sometimes that that’s all I need to do; seek Him out “High Above It All.”
Thank you for this nugget!
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am really pleassant to read everthing at one place. Agace Upton Starkey