I grew up going every summer to Maine and New Hampshire to visit my grandparents (both sets). One of the highlights of those vacations was going to the ocean. The rock-bound coast of Maine and the wide sandy beach in New Hampshire were my favorite playgrounds. Jumping in the waves, playing in the sand, and exploring the tide-pools were my favorite activities. I can still hear the thunder of the waves as they crashed on the shore and smell the salty marine air. The cold deep-blue water of the Atlantic provided some of my favorite childhood memories.
Then as an adult, I got to go to Hawaii (thanks to my wonderful husband). It was my first experience with the crystal clear tropical waters of the Pacific around the islands. I was enthralled with the color of the water, even out in the deep the beautiful aqua shade was a something to behold. I got to snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles. I got to hear whales singing when I ducked underwater and see them breaching from the shore. A whole new set of favorite memories was formed.
The sea has an almost universal appeal because of its beauty and majesty. It also is a source of inspiration for life. Here are some thoughts…
The oceans are vast. So also are our possibilities. But we must be honest in this regard. Possibilities are opportunities to accomplish something, not free tickets to wonderland. “The sky’s the limit” is available if we are willing to work for it. And working has two components – believing and doing. These two are necessary to achieve any success. We cannot do anything that we don’t believe we can do. And we can’t demonstrate believing without doing something. We know that the scriptures say, “with God all things are possible” which means that God is able to do what man cannot. So it surely stands to reason that we can accomplish much bigger and better things with God’s help than we can by ourselves. The next time you look at the ocean as it spreads out to the horizon as far as you can see, think about all the possibilities you have with God’s help, and get moving.
The waves of the sea are constantly rolling in and out. So also are our thoughts – information is constantly flowing in and out of our minds. Sometimes it’s high tide with more waves rolling in than out. And sometimes it’s low tide, with more rolling out than in. Sometimes the waves are calm and refreshing – those waves we enjoy. Sometimes the waves are strong and intimidating – we must be cautious around those waves. On occasion the waves are violent and destructive. In those circumstances, there is often a forewarning so that we can be prepared and take the necessary protective measures. But if we are caught without warning, we still can recover and rebuild. Like we deal with the waves of the sea, so we can deal with our thoughts. We can harbor the calm refreshing thoughts that edify and encourage us. We can avoid or refute the intimidating thoughts that could knock us down. And we can do our best to protect ourselves against the destructive thoughts. We can be prepared and intercept them before they cause damage. But if we do suffer loss, we can regroup and heal. Of course, no matter what waves of thought we encounter, God will guide us, help us, and answer our prayers.
The oceans are full of majestic beauty. So also is life. We all have seen that beauty in the eyes of a loved one or cherished friend. We’ve heard it in a child’s laughter. Or felt it in a healing touch or a helping hand. We smile at sweet memories, or cheer in eager anticipation of great things to come. We rejoice in God’s love and in His grace. These are just a few of the things that bring beauty and splendor into our lives. For the real beauty of life is not in fame and fortune. But in the quiet moments of the heart when we are at peace. We know that we are blessed by a loving God who cares for our every need. So the next time you visit the ocean, you can not only be thankful for the grandeur of its beauty, but you can also thank God for all His abundant goodness in your life.
Finally, the sea exudes mystery, which is a big part of its allure. We imagine that the sea holds some great treasure that is yet to be discovered. Sometimes our lives are perplexing. We don’t always understand why things happen, or what we should do. But we can pursue our search for life’s treasures (answers) with the patience and zeal of any treasure hunter because God knows all the secrets of life and He knows us. And even if our treasure remains undiscovered, we can always trust Him to care and provide for us.
Close your eyes and grab your best ocean mind picture; relax and enjoy.
“The greatest cargoes of life come in over quiet seas.” Dr. V.P. Wierwille
Note to my readers: Thank you for being you!