Sand Angels

The ocean is my place. When I feel overwhelmed or scared or anything at all...I go to the ocean.

Not only is it one of the most naturally beautiful places, it is one of the most powerful. 

I stand on the shoreline and feel very small, but in a good way. I know that the God who created the oceans, these bodies of waters that extend further than the eye can see, is powerful and mighty. I know that the God who tells the waves where to stop is as much in control of my life. My perspective shifts almost immediately and I am aware of God's faithful presence. 

The other day I took one of these trips to the ocean and witnessed a scene that spoke volumes to my heart. There was a little girl, about three or four years old, running. She was running fast and as her body gained momentum her feet eventually overtook her head and she flew head first into the sand. And then, she did the most remarkable thing...her sweet little sand covered face broke into the biggest smile and she began to giggle, she spread our her arms and legs and began to make sand angels. She didn't cry or grumble, she fell hard and turned a moment that could have been devastating into a moment that was joy-filled and life giving. 

I had come to the shores that day to bring my cares to the Lord, to ask Him to help me see that He is greater and that He is in control and how I longed in that moment to be like that little girl carefree and trusting, taking joy even as I trip and fall and try to find my way, knowing that even the hard falls can bring life and beauty. 

Have you made any sand angels lately? Where is God asking you to simply trust Him in the midst of trial? To trust and even embrace the sandy, painful places of life? 

"Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:5-9

One Down...

Today, I signed up for a photography class. Totally tackling my new year's resolution list! 

Can't wait! 

When life hands you lemons, get out the sweet tea!

I just got back from a two week vacation in the South and saw a sign that said, "When life gives you lemons, get out the sweet tea!" I love that sign and all that implies. Life is going to give you lemons. There will be incredibly sour moments that make you cringe and sometimes cry. But there is always sweet tea. At least in the South anyways! It's true though, my most painful moments are often met by some of the sweetest. Whether through the comfort of a friend, the embrace of a child, the faithful words of Scripture there is an underlying sweetness that if we can just see past the pain we'll find.

But it's not just the consistent gifts in our life that make lemons and sweet tea such a good combination. It's the fact that often through our darkest times we emerge more beautiful having been stripped of the dross that was holding us back and with a greater ability to see the beauty that was already surrounding us everyday. Somehow spending time in a dark place makes things in the light all the more bright, so that even the perfect colors the smog creates at sunset or sun shining through the lone tree in the city park become the most beautiful sights.

We often fight against pain, we resist vulnerability fearing that we'll be so weighed down we'll never emerge. But the truth is we will, the fog will lift and we'll see clearly again, the pain will ease and joy will flood in anew. So don't be afraid to open your heart, to take a risk, to walk away from someone or perhaps towards someone. You will get hurt and will even be the cause of hurt to others but there is beauty in the transforming work of God in our lives as we make ourselves vulnerable to Him and to one another. Open your heart and hands wide and allow the sweet and the sour to mix and make what only the two together can accomplish... the best darn glass of tea you ever had!