March 31, 2011 with 5 Comments

304.

The Wind at the Beach

There’s so much I could tell you about the few days off that I just had.

I could tell you about the TSA agent assessing my faith as she reconciled my scowl during the random search with the Bible she saw in my bag.

I could tell you about the foul smell of garlic on the plane when the two lovers seated next to me decided to have their mid flight snack.

I could even tell you about the burning hot sun that I enjoyed every moment of every day.

But that would be boring.

Instead I want to tell you about the wind. Because there’s just something about the wind at the beach.

I stood on the edge of the water and felt it in my hair. I took a deep breath and smelled the very essence of it. I looked around and saw it in the sway of the palm leaves beating against the air. I listened ever so quietly and knew.

The wind is real. I don’t have to see it to believe it. I don’t have to touch it to know it. Take me to the beach and I know the wind is real.

Lately I’ve had a hard time seeing God. I don’t know about you, but sometimes He just doesn’t seem as real in my life. I mean, I still do what He wants me to do. I still believe what He tells me is true. But there are times where, I don’t know…He just doesn’t seem to be as real. There are times where I wish I could just see Him. There are times where I wish I could just touch Him.

But I can’t.

It’s during those times that I’ve got to remember the wind.

I’ve got to remember that sometimes it takes a storm for me to see the wind. Sometimes it takes fresh eyes to see the wind. Sometimes it takes all that I am to know that He’s real.

I’ve got to position myself alone, away from the crowd.

I’ve got to open my eyes and look at the subtle movement in the leaves.

I’ve got to quiet down the noises and listen.

I’ve got to take a deep breath and smell, perhaps the aroma of sand and dunes would rise up to my nostrils.

Reminding me that He is.

Nearer than I think.

Enveloping me, surrounding me, moving ever so slightly.

As real as the wind on the beach.


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  • RAM

    Encouraging post and so true. Especially the part about recognizing the wind through the storm. Wish it didn’t have to be that way but many times that’s what it takes.
    Being mindful of the wind today. :)

  • @emilyvj

    Love this.
    Although I now I REALLY want a vacation on the beach ;)

    Not sure why, but reading this reminded me of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

  • Milo

    Come to the beach today and see and feel the wind. It is powerful and f.earful. It can blow you away. Sometimes more than others the power of God is felt and He can speak lowder and more. Convincing. I enjoyed your. blog
    . Good comparison
    Z

    • Lisa

      As a person who really enjoys the beach, I like this analogy. The wind is a good reminder-yes, I can’t see him but I know he’s there.

  • Gina Nechi

    Lately im realize it dies take a storm in our lives to calm us.Its Christ saying wake up im trying to teach you something. Im Here do you know me.Thanks Lina