Speaking of water, (last week’s blog “Water, Water” 08/03/17) I am at the beach this week.

Whether we are enjoying the quiet pools of a still lake or the crashing waves of the ocean, there is something mesmerizing about bodies of water. 

I remember the first time we took some of our grandchildren to the beach. It was late in the afternoon when we first arrived. The kids were about 3, 4, and 5 years old. As the waves washed over their feet, they were spellbound. Then came that drawing sensation of the tide pulling their feet deep into the sand. They laughed out loud and fell down, giggling all the way. Getting up, they stood waiting, laughing, amazed, falling, and up for more—a delight to a grandmother’s heart.

I love walking along the shore, sun on my back, breezes blowing, and the roaring sound of the waves. It always reminds me of the power of God and the fact that He is in control of this dynamic force as well as our world. At times, the extension of the waves lightly trickles over my toes, reminding me of God’s gentleness. Mighty, yet tender. What a God we serve.

You can be sure that I will think of our verse from last week as I walk along the shore.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2

One writer imagines the deer being pressed by hunters, panting after the run, and thirsty for the life-giving water.

The massive blue sky above and the pounding water below woo a beach walker into thoughts of God.

Come to me Lord Jesus. Help me long for you. Draw me into your presence. Speak words in my mind and heart that I need to hear. Give me knowledge and strength to follow your will. Help me not be so busy that I only get a glimpse of You, but instead, help me gaze at You.

[Jesus said] “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

I have a circular, orange float that I call my “orange doughnut.” I float with it in the pool, but sometimes launch out into the ocean. It’s fun to ride  up and down with the gentle waves. But every once in a while the waves gather more force and splash all over me. I think of it as God being playful, that is, until the “playfulness” becomes a little too much for me. Then, getting into the shore with all the splashing and undertow gets to be downright teasing!

Those are my “beachy” thoughts this week. All told, it is pure delight for me to be here, especially my alone time sitting in a beach chair with a book! I hope you have had a fun diversion this summer, especially one that feeds your soul.

~ Joyce ~