Waves

a similar scene, several years ago.

My kids and I slipped out for a quick trip to the beach this morning. It was really nice to be able to hang with my peeps a little before I head in to work tonight.


In sharp contrast to the weather in my hometown (a blistering one hundred and a million degrees) it was downright chilly on the seashore today. I sat in a chair and watched my girls as they tried to wade into the icy ocean, jumping over waves and dodging incoming seaweed.


For a short time, the waves got a little more aggressive. From my seat I could see the whitecapped waves rolling toward my tall, lanky daughters... at first they were standing confidently, but as the bursts kept hitting them, they became less sure on their feet.  Finally, I was getting ready to go on out and tell them to come closer to shore.


Just as I started to stand, I noticed the girls inched closer to one another.  Their arms extended one toward another and they grasped hands.  Suddenly, they were steady.  They were able to stand firm, facing the waves, and before long I could see them laughing and jumping.


It reminded me how fortunate I am to have been given 'brothers and sisters' to face the waves with.  Just knowing that they are there for me when I am feeling unsure and unsteady is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  Those waves, they are nasty.  They want to knock us down, and drag us off into the deep, but we don't have to be afraid.


And you know why? 'Cause God sent us everything we need- including each other.  We can reach out, hold hands, and even when the sand is shifting under our feet, we can steady one another- reminding ourselves about the good things that are happening, the blessings we share, and the hope of Jesus that never wavers. We can laugh together, we can lend a listening ear, and we can hold each other up.


When times get rough, there's always going to be people who seem to enjoy the drama. Let's not focus on them.  Let's gather in tighter, closer, let's clasp hands in prayer... and let's praise God in unison- for these waves are no match for the Creator of the mountains and the seas!!!

You rule the oceans.
 You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
You crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

Psalm 89:9-10

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24