As I write this, you can tell where my thoughts are. By the time you receive it, I will be at the beach, one of my favorite places to be.

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 three of our grandkids 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 Nana’s heart.

I love walking on 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 the world.

At times, the extension of the waves trickles over my toes, reminding me of God’s gentleness. Mighty yet tender, drawing me into him. What a God we serve.

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 imagined the deer being pressed by hunters, then panting after the run and thirsty for the life-giving water.)

Massive blue sky above and pounding water below woo a beach walker into thirsting for thoughts of God.

Come to me, Lord Jesus. Help me long for you. Draw me into your presence. Speak words into 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 that I have a long 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 the gentle waves, but sometimes the waves gather more force and splash all over me. I think of it as God being playful.

Then getting into the shore can be quite a comedy as I try to get my unbalanced body to manage the bubbly undertow of shore waves.

These are my “beachy” thoughts this week. All told, it is pure delight to be here, especially my alone time, sitting in a beach chair with a book. 

I hope you have a fun diversion this summer, especially one that feeds your soul.

~ Joyce ~