He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
There are few places I’d rather be than at the ocean. Mesmerized by the constant movement of waves, I can stay lost in the experience indefinitely. Whether the blustery onshore breeze is wild or gentle, chilling or warm, I don’t care. I am enthralled by God’s majestic display.
This was my view one afternoon recently while visiting family on northeastern Vancouver Island. I sat above the shoreline, watching eagles soar in the air currents while my daughter and grandson wandered the intertidal area below, checking for interesting marine critters and finding shells and bits of colourful sea glass. It was my idea of a perfect “artist’s date”… one of those opportunities Julia Cameron suggests we all need for creative refreshment.
Whatever our task at hand, we really do require a little uplifting occasionally. Inertia can be devastating to the spirit. We need to catch the updraft, get a boost of energy, whether we’re trying to find words to finish a novel, make it through the mundane moments of everyday existence, or gain strength to tackle something major.
My family knows an hour on the beach is the perfect getaway for me. Your boost might come from a walk in the rain, an overnight camping trip, an inspirational read while the baby is napping, perhaps just a few minutes of birdwatching or wandering in the garden. The secret is to snatch the opportunities and not let time steal them away, as it will if we don’t take the initiative to act.
Wishing you time this weekend to empty the mind of everything else and focus totally on the experience of being renewed, however long or short the opportunity might be.
What’s your plan for renewal this weekend?
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MUSINGS 
Beautiful photos! A trip to the ocean is the best way to feel renewed.
Love the eagle photos. I’m not an ocean person (even though I like seeing it in pictures). It seems to intimidate me. Give me a Kansas sunset or sunrise any day, and I’m a happy camper. Different strokes for different folks. Don’t you just love the way God creates us all different and still the same? 🙂
I do, Judith! Individuality is a fascinating thing. And sunsets are awe-inspiring, too. Now, watching a sunset radiate out over the waves has to be the best of both of our worlds. 😉
I know exactly what you mean. I’m so fortunate to live on a lovely lake. It is so breathtakingly beautiful, even on cloudy days. But even as I write this, I know that God’s beauty reigns everywhere, even in the desert.
Happy Friday, Carol.
Yes, it is. Your comment reminds me that His reign is also over the desert times in our lives… those parched, barren times when we think we’re stranded and alone… but we aren’t. (Not what you were saying here, I know, but my imagination runs off at the mouth sometimes. LOL!)
It sounds wonderful. Enjoy!
Beautiful photos. I’ve never seen the ocean but I do love being outdoors.
Beautiful. It’s the closest I’ll get to “renewal” for awhile. Thank you for sharing this.
I’d love to get away and chill for a few days. With a new job and book deadlines, it’s unlikely. I’m hoping for some short day trips. 🙂
I absolutely love the ocean. The sounds of the waves crashing to the shore, the herons, snowy egrets diving for lunch. I also find respite in a quiet sunset. Breathtaking. Beautiful photos, I could hear the roar of the ocean. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, my friends. I always look forward to hearing them.
Those refueling, renewing artist’s dates are so important! And of course, like you, the ocean is my favourite place to go for this. This weekend, DH and I had a picnic supper on the beach yesterday, and today, I stopped for a solo stroll through the surf at a sandy beach just out of town…bliss. 🙂