There are many reasons I love beach combing. I could list them, but if you’re a fellow wanderer of the shores, our notes would match.
During My most recent trip to the shoreline, a new application of the hobby clicked in my mind.
As I wandered from the sunny warmth of the open air to the shadowy cool of the underside of the pier, I noticed the action of the waves. Like a giant, synchronized rake, the rumbling water raced up toward my feet, paused, and then receded back underneath itself. With each session of the movement, two things happened. The wave brought forth little treasures from the depths and gently laid them within inches of my toes. Small chips of shells, scraggly bits of sea-bottom plants, and a few lifeless ocean-dwellers all found their home on their sandy bed.
But their rest was short lived.
Soon, another rumble of ocean washed over them and pulled them back to herself. As soon as they were there, they were gone.
But in their loss, there was gain for a new trove of interesting things bumbled up out of the receding water. (I intentionally used the word “bumbled” because that is what they do.)
Your time is like that. With each unfolding of the day, new adventures lie at your feet. They glistening in the sunrise, begging you to pick them up and not just to watch them because in another moment, they’ll be gone.
What shell of a new idea is laying at your feet this morning? What “past attempt” looks shredded but could possibly be refined to succeed? And what dead thing needs to be finally surrendered to the waters of the past so that new life might spring up inside you.
Isn’t today a great day to “beach comb” your life?
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Peace!
Todd
Todd Stocker 