My husband, Jim, and I just returned from a wonderful, uplifting, encouraging weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. We were there for a leadership conference sponsored by a ministry that I do some design work for. The few weeks before the trip had been especially stressful; trying to remain patient and trusting in the face of the uncertainty of Jim’s job search and our livelihood, and just doing our best to guide and nurture our two girls through the usual ravages of high school and college life. So the opportunity to get away was welcome, even as it meant I had to fly, which I loathe.
Of all the things I wanted to see and do in Charleston, we searched for things that would not involve an outlay of money. We walked around Charleston, taking pictures of the beautiful historic homes, then we headed to a nearby beach. It’s been years since I’ve seen the ocean and I’ve always been fascinated by water, always found it peaceful and relaxing, especially when there is only water as far as the eye can see.
We drove past grocery stores, gas stations, video rentals, Wal-Mart — all of the places that I would frequent in a typical day back at home. I thought it was strange that no one seemed very excited about the fact that they were only minutes from the ocean. I said to Jim, “Don’t these people know that they are only minutes from the freakin’ ocean? How in the world can you be in Wal-Mart when the ocean is so close? Do you reach a point where you get over the ocean?
We found a public beach and parked the car. Conditions were hardly favorable; it was about 55 degrees with a pretty steady, chilly wind whipping off the water and the lightweight cotton shirts we wore were not enough. Still, it took my breath away as I gazed at the horizon and took in the smell of saltwater and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
I believe it was the Creator of that ocean who lured me there to remind me that the depths are His, the fish, the sand, the seashells, the tides and the wind are His. He knows where in the sand I lost an earring, though neither Jim nor I could find it to save our lives and I could swear I saw it fall right at my feet. And so it is that I believe His eye — and His hand — are on us right now. Though there is much at this time that we do not see, He sees it all and will uncover it in His timing.
And I’m still not over the ocean.
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