In winter time there is a strong appeal for heaters and closed doors. We have cups of tea and hot chocolate, homemade slow-cooker recipes, fluffy electric blankets, roasted marshmallows, fireplaces, and ugg boots.
Who would want to brave the beach now that the skies have turned grey and the summer rays have gone on holiday?
The water is cold. The sand is damper than usual.
Stormy weather stirs the sky and the water.
Nothing is appealing… seemingly.
Yet the tide continues to draw the surfers and the fishers into the enticing depths of the ocean.
It would be idiotic to brave the wind and the waves… would it not?
Maybe.
But maybe It would also be exhilarating. Adventurous.
The ocean is beautiful. It doesn’t matter the season, it always greets you. Whether it’s a ‘whooshing’ hello or a glittering twinkle in the eye, the horizon of turquoise wonders is exotic and full of inspiration.
When we burrow ourselves indoors, we can miss out on the little things that might bring a smile on an otherwise gloomy day. Perhaps there is:
♥ a puppy splashing in the water while it’s owner strolls along the waters edge
♥ a retired woman who brings bread to a pelican every morning without fail
♥ a family building a sandcastle with the perfectly damp but firm sand
Where else can you find these sights other than the beach?
Why not take a leisurely stroll along the seashore, a car trip to watch the waves, or a brave swim in the sea {wetsuits essential in the icy currents of course}. Breathe in the fresh air of the hibernating season. Feel the glaciers stab your lungs as warm mist billows from your mouth. Let your teeth chatter to their own rhythm. Let your chest scream for warmth as you string a scarf around your neck and scrunch your toes in the pale gold grains underfoot.
If you decide to remain indoors {despite the challenge and adventure of doing otherwise!} why don’t you still give love to the beach by reflecting momentarily on the beauty and majesty of the ocean with me?
The ocean is a mass. A mass of unknown. Of mystery. Of intrigue. Of depth. The ocean extends beyond the horizon. Our eyes can’t capture the enormity of the expanse. The fluidity. The flexibility. The rippled motions. The twirling rips. The driving currents. The smoothness of the still surface. The tides of change. The waves of terror and disturbance. The whistles of the wind. The crashing of white water.
The collision of water and sand. The transparency of water and sky. The friction of sky and sand. Sand and sky. The interrelationship of the water, sand, and sky as the seasons change and the weather wipes the trails of the oceans scars.
How might we relate to something that is empty yet full, cavernous yet compact, outstretched yet embracing, lifeless yet lively, energetic yet exhaustive? The ocean is unique. It’s meaning goes far beyond comprehension.
Quite alike the love of God. God isn’t someone we all know and love. Yet the paradoxes I listed above may also be applied to God’s love. Depending on who you are, His love may feel void or fulfilling, unfathomable or solid, extensive or encompassing, dead or lively, vibrant or distant. God’s love is intrinsic and indescribable. Regardless of how God’s love feels to us, His love never fails, and His love is unchanging.
My challenge is that you might explore the beach no matter the weather, but also that you may explore God’s love through every season of life. {How can you explore God’s love? Start by turning to His Word and learning to hold onto His promises regardless of the season!}
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feel may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
Spirit lead me where my trust is without border
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
