The rhythmic song of the waves had me breathing deeply, and thanking God for this special time of rest, relaxation and spending time with family. There’s something about the seashore that allows me to totally unwind. After basking in the sun, it was time to visit those beautiful waves in an attempt to get cool in the 94 degree weather.
By the time I maneuvered through the beach towels, past the umbrellas and those who were reading books or listening to music, I was once again, in awe of the vast ocean before me. I stood enjoying the young children who chased the waves, squealing with delight as their feet got wet and running as fast as they could as not to be enveloped by them. I watched mothers trying desperately to guard their children against wading in too far and getting struck by a wave; and couldn’t help but smile as the fathers encouraged those same children to “get in there and dive in the wave because they certainly won't drown”.
I stood, enjoying the cool of the water as the waves weren’t rough and got caught up in the view. It wasn’t until I saw a larger wave coming towards me that I recognized it would break exactly where I was standing. I then realized my feet had not only been covered by sand, but were firmly planted; and the wave and I collided. I quickly unearthed my feet, removed the sand with the next wave that wasn’t quite so up close and personal, and stood there for a moment wondering how I didn’t see it coming. I was right there, I was aware of everyone around me; but I wasn’t aware of every thing around me. I had gotten used to the sound of the waves, I had gotten comfortable with the temperature of the water, and I was so wrapped up in what everyone was doing, I didn’t see the wall of water about to knock me over.
How often it is with life. We get so caught up in the everyday happenings, the crazy schedules, the sports practices, the appointments. We don’t realize some of those very things that we’ve gotten so used to, (I call it “controlled chaos”), may actually be gearing up to collide and we find ourselves standing there, wondering what just happened?
With that controlled chaos about to get a little more chaotic as school will be starting in a couple of weeks; I’ve decided I have to be more mindful and more intentional with how time is spent. I need some more quiet time; and certainly more time for special moments, leisurely talks; and maybe, just maybe the wave won’t so easily catch me unaware - as there is sure to be another one, and it may not necessarily be at the beach.
“He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while”—for there were many people coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat.”
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