Thursday, January 1, 2015

The tide always wins

It started with one word.

FEEL

Nothing else, just that one word.  A man walked around the word, dragging his stick in the sand. Deepening, clarifying, until there was no mistaking it. 

FEEL

We watched while we sipped our morning coffee, which eventually turned into breakfast, which eventually turned into afternoon coffee with cards. 

And he was still there.  But now there were more words.

I AM BLESSED
FEEL THE BLESSINGS

People strolled by as he continued to tinker, to perfect.  Dogs ran after thrown objects, children squealed with glee as the cold water washed over their feet.  

Soon, there was another letter.

J
I AM BLESSED
FEEL THE BLESSINGS

What was next?  We couldn't help walking out to the balcony to take occasional glances.  Was he going to spell Jesus?  Well, that would be kind of obvious.  A quick glance said no - you could clearly see the beginning of a U forming in the sand.  Hmm. 

Hours passed and cards continued.  Snacks were eaten.  Little boys quarrelled.  Some adults smacked hands in victory, while others threw their cards down in disgust.  The sun warmed the air, and the sound of the ocean was a constant comfort in the not-too-distant background.  

And there were more words.

JUST SAY
I AM BLESSED
FEEL THE BLESSINGS

The thought was finished.  Passersby stopped to consider his words as the tide began to come in.  The man attempted to reform the words as the water washed them away.  He was diligent, this stranger, and patient.  No movement was rushed or panicked - just deliberate.  We commented on it as we played, and continued with our fun.

Between hands, we'd stretch and find another snack or rest our butts from the hard chairs.  There was always time for a quick check of our strange friend's progress outside.

I AM BLESSED
FEEL THE BLESSINGS
JOY IS LIFE

The tide wins, as it always does.  The water washes the words away, much as life often does.  The ocean remind us that blessings don't last forever.  That stranger reminded us that even though change is inevitable, we keep working and looking for blessings, even if they wash away right before our eyes.  




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