Beach Days

I love the beach. I can sit and watch the ocean for hours (and I do).
It puts me in a good mood. It's a natural "attitude adjustment".
The sound of the breaking waves relaxes me.
I get renewed and refreshed when I am there.
I think about our God who created the oceans and declared them good and that amazes me.

I enjoy watching the birds skimming over the water, spying out food just below the surface, then swooping down and coming up with a fish tail wiggling out of the side of their mouth.

I enjoy watching children look for hermit crabs as the surf recedes. The crabs act as though someone has just opened the door to their dressing room and they run for cover. The kids squeal with delight when they spot one - then audibly sigh with disappointment once it burrows back into the sand.

I like finding sea glass, I pick up the chips and slivers and bring them home to add to my jar. Sometimes pieces are sharp and angled and I throw them back for more time to weather.

I am always on the lookout for unusual shells.

I love the way my feet sink down into the sand when the surf pulls back. I like the feel of the foamy surf sizzling around my feet and ankles.

I love bringing my grandsons to the beach. I began taking John, the oldest, when he was 15 months old. Jeremy, John, and I could easily become beach bums. We take Joe with us once in a while. He exhibits great beach bum potential. Can't wait for baby Tom to join us.
Sometimes I put my chair right at the edge of the surf. There I can relax and keep cool as I watch the boys boogie board or body surf. I even like having to yank my chair out of the sand later.

I love sitting on the beach with my husband. We sit and be quiet together and feel close. We walk along the shoreline and talk. His father taught him how to swim in the ocean as a young boy and he will swim beyond the breakers for a long while and then body surf like a 10 year old. Watching him from my chair or the shore is my form of fun. Sometimes I join him in the water and he makes it his responsibility to keep me afloat above the waves, watching me closely.

I love going to the beach when there is a storm. I am afraid and in awe of the powerful, huge waves. It is fearsome and exciting to watch and listen as the waves pound and crash.

I watch fishermen as they bait their hooks and cast their lines, waiting patiently for a tug on their line as they sidestep waves washing over the jetty. I enjoy watching the dance as they bring in a fish, then the subtle glances to see how many witnessed their success.

Surfers come out when it is high tide. I believe this is something that only looks easy. The paddling they do just doesn't seem worth the short ride. The surfers don't keep my attention for long unless there is one who is very good. By that I mean get up and stay up a while.(The first date I went on with my husband was to see Endless Summer and I fell asleep.)

My son left his job in the city to do what he loves - water, boats, warm weather. He went to Ft. Lauderdale, FL 18 months ago to work on a boat. He is currently the First Mate on a yacht and working toward a Captain's License. He literally lives on the ocean. I think of him when I look out, wondering how he is doing, praying for him, missing him.

I think of the Psalms in which David sings praises to God and tells of His greatness.

"I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,

And on Your wondrous works." Psalm 145:5

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever.