Waves of Life

My Dad was in the Navy, so we moved a bit when I was growing up. The place that I considered home as a teenager was Florida. We lived about 45 minutes from the coast, so I didn't go often. As I got older, I discovered that when I was sad or anxious, nothing could soothe my spirit quite like the sound of waves crashing against the shore. To stand at the edge of the water.. at night.. all alone...toes in the cool wet sand... a billion stars above... well, there are just no words to describe the awe and wonder I felt inside. I could feel the power and presence of God with each rise and fall of the waves. They come so fast and strong and then just seem to fall apart when the reach land.

We spent some time at the beach recently. One day, as my husband and I stood in the warm waters a few weeks ago, I was reminded of how calm and peaceful it can be to just float in the water. The salt water therapy can cure whatever ails you as you just watch the rest of the world disappear. It can feel like time literally just stops and you are locked in a moment of pure joy and tranquility. There is nothing quite like being so small and insignificant, yet, feeling safe in the vast and mysterious blue green waters.

However, the next day was much different. We hadn't waded out far before we realized that things were nothing like they were before. The sand beneath our feet was constantly shifting and sometimes being swept right out from under us. The waves were bigger and more powerful. They just kept coming, one right after another... wave on wave. I was breathless and exhausted in no time! I tried to turn from them and shield myself from their harsh blows, but the force would knock me unsteady. I found that if I faced them head on, I could navigate and find the safest location and just about rise above the wave and allow it to carry my body, rather than trying to fight against it.

It occurred to me that life is a whole lot like the ocean. Some days just go along smoothly. We can laugh and love without a care in the world. Then, without warning, the tides change and we are right in the middle of the scariest storm we have ever faced. Waves pushing it down and holding us under until we don't even know which way is up! The storms of life may be finances, health, loss of a loved one, or a thousand other issues that cause our lives to change in an instant.

I have learned to appreciate the sunny days and soak up the happy memories. When the hard rains start falling and I am flooded with despair, I have found that it is best that I face my problems and ride out the storm. Most things in my life are beyond my control. God's will and His perfect plan are things that I don't always understand. In fact, many times I don't like them at all. I am human and I can't see the whole picture. I don't know what is up ahead... but, I know someone who does... and I trust Him. He still calms the storms. All I have to do is follow Him, and He will lead me to exactly where I need to be.

He is he same yesterday, today, and forever... because I believe... I am willing to trust Him in the sunshine and the rain.