Sand, surf and wind.
What else could be better?
I know that there are some who would say mountains, snow, rivers, lakes or any of a number of places would be better than getting too much sun, beaten by waves, having sand get into your swimsuit and dodging seaweed. They could make a compelling argument. However, for me the beach, especially that portion of the barrier island around Corpus Christi, is more than a place to visit.
This part of the beach with its not-so-white sand and over-abundance of sargassum seaweed brought in on the everpresent current is a spiritual home base. I grew up here. I spent many-a Saturday and Sunday on this sandy coastline along the Gulf of Mexico fishing, swimming and eating cold breakfast tacos and cold cut sandwiches.
Many mornings I watched the sunrise over the gulf with a rod and reel in hand and fish nibbling on the bait. I spent much time with my thoughts about the Creator of all that I was enjoying and wondering about this God and His role in the world. I wondered what role I had to play in this world which was, in those pre-internet days, so vast and so unknowable.
I resist the temptation to call it my church. We did not go to church during this time in our lives. It wasn't for unbelief. It was for reasons known only to my parents and about which I could only offer guesses. So I won't say why we did not go to church but I do know that had we I might have gotten some grist for my thought mill.
Today, as I sat on the beach, got beat up by the waves and had my youngest son poured sand down my swimsuit, I knew much more about this wonderful God, Creator of Heaven and Earth and Provider of all that I have and will ever have. I am pretty clear about what role I am to play in the lives of my wife and children and the people I serve. And I have a church. A community of Jesus-believing, Christ-following brothers and sisters who walk beside me and I them as we "seek first the kingdom of God."
God has been generous.
God has given abundantly.
God is good!
Sounds like a great weekend. It's been a great few weeks off for me and my family ... unfortunately now it's back to the salt mines, darn it!
Posted by: kabsav | August 03, 2008 at 06:40 AM