First memory of sand and waves holds fast in the corners of my mind. Living on the island of vacations I experienced. As a child.
There was another beach before that. When I was a toddler. Depicted in family photographs during our sojourn in Thailand.
But Bali reigns in my memory files. Footprints on the beach taking me back.
Hot sun, yellow sand. Volcano in the distance.
Search for shells
Early mornings win.
Fresh, new day. Just after sunrise. In the coolness, before humid heat and sun hats.
As kids, we race to water’s edge. Search for shells to examine and collect. Exclaim over differing designs and colors.
And always hope to find sand dollars. Soft and grey as they live. Then, hardening in death. Turning white in the sun.
After a few odorous hauls, we learn to pick up only the white ones.
Sea lace
Crashing waves hit and pull back strong.
I hear the roar in my mind. See rolling shells. Tumbling back and forth in the surf.
Crabs traverse sideways to their bubbling holes.
And the ocean leaves behind traces of foam.
Sea lace on the sand.
Soon to be erased by the next massive wave falling hard.
His glory
These early glimpses of vast ocean and powerful waves teach me. Shifting sands full of natural treasures ignite awe.
Just a child. But I remember standing still. Looking out at the horizon. Overwhelmed by the Lord God. Creator of all.
Majestic in His greatness. Beyond my capacity to understand.
Yet, He sees a little kid. And knows the tiniest shell. Each grain of sand. Every little detail.
His glory shines on sparkling waves.
As a child
Praise God. I can come to Him now like I did then.
As a child.
Observing the work of His hands. And calling out the glory of His name.
Watching to see. Listening to hear.
Pausing to express awe and worship in His presence.
Hallelujah!
“Hallelujah!
Praise God in His sanctuary.
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Praise Him for His powerful acts;
praise Him for His abundant greatness…
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!”
Psalm 150:1-2,6
What about you?
Have you felt overwhelmed lately by the greatness of our God? Where have you stood in awe at the work of His hands?
Related
Ocean roar – Riptide – Sand between my toes – Anticipate – God’s inner work – Night sky – Psalm 150 –
4 replies on “As a child”
Two locations have struck me in particular, both some years ago. Sunrise on Mt Rainier, WA before tourist crush and traffic, hearing the roar of His ‘voice of many waters’ from distant waterfall, watching the early light growing across the mountain tops. Another was overlooking the Grand Canyon, again early morning before tourist crowds/traffic. The quiet was palpable. Spontaneous tears of wonder at such beauty and the smallness of man in the created order.
Thank you for sharing these places where you stood in awe of Him. I first flew over the Grand Canyon and that view was stunning. But when my husband (who is from Arizona) took me there, I remember how it took my breath away. Incredible beauty.
I walked recently in an ancient agora and imagined the world as it was – thinking that God is never changing! We cannot grasp it but what I glimpse is beautiful!
I had to look up “agora” and then I was picturing what you saw 🙂 Rejoicing with you that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.