Gypped

We recently spent a few days at the beach. We didn’t spend much time on the beach because the weather was not cooperative…at all. Y’all, I love the beach. The sand, the water, the sun – the combination is like salve to my soul. You think I’m kidding? Ask my husband and kids. They will tell you how much we all benefit when I spend a few days on the beach.

Did I mention the weather was gross? It had to have been the soggiest trip to the beach I’ve ever experienced. It literally rained every day and if it wasn’t raining the clouds were so thick you couldn’t even see a shadow.

We found other things to do. You know – eating, riding around, eating, indoor activities for the kids, more eating. The resort where we stayed had bicycles for rent and our youngest decided he wanted to ride a bike. The only thing is he didn’t know how to ride a bike. No problem. He taught himself. He was “bored” and so he talked Joe into renting the bike (and one for his brother too). The rest is history. The boys peddled and Joe and I walked behind. A few trips around the resort and I felt like I had earned the right to eat an entire chocolate cake – I didn’t, but I sure could’ve. 🙂

There was a short break in the rain on the last day of our trip, and I was determined to put on my swimsuit, grab my chair and park myself on the sand – toes in the water. So I did…boys and Joe in tow. As I sat on the beach overlooking the water – it was so, so rough – I was in awe. It was like I was seeing the ocean for the very first time.

Some would have described the water as angry with the waves creating white caps as far as could be seen. I watched as the waves knocked people off their feet while others would purposely dive into the waves only to be overcome by the waters intensity. Then there were those on the water’s edge that barely got close enough for their toes to get wet. Still others would draw their legs in close to their chest when the water approached. Why sit so close if you don’t want to feel the water wash over your feet and legs? The wind was mighty, yet it softly blew sea foam across the wet sand. The ocean had so much force, and was so vast – as though it had no end – yet gentle at the same time.

It was an “aha” moment for me. The ocean is a beautiful picture of our heavenly daddy. Big, strong and powerful, yet gentle and un-intrusive. He is bigger than any of us can imagine. He “goes” farther than we can fathom. His goodness is exceedingly strong and can knock you off your feet. Sometimes you want to dive straight in to Him just to be overcome and soaked by His goodness. At the same time, He is not intrusive. If you want to sit on the shore and barely get your toes wet He will gently wash over you…waiting for you to make the move for more. (Although, after you have experienced who He is – His grace and mercy – I am not sure how you wouldn’t want to dive straight in! Wet toes are not enough for me.) The foam – His soft “daddy” touch. Are you with me?

I was so overwhelmed sitting on the beach that afternoon. I had been kind of grumpy because it wasn’t the ideal beach trip with lots of sand and sun. I felt “gypped” – something was missing from the experience. Or was it? You see, I realized nothing was missing. That few minutes of “aha” made a mark on my heart. I spent some time with my heavenly daddy that day in a sweet, sweet way. I got to see Him in a different light…through stormy clouds.