I was once with a friend who had never seen the ocean before. Excited by the prospect of leading her to the beach and sharing the moment of discover with her, I was disheartened to hear her reaction, “Is this all? I somehow expected it would be bigger!” I felt deflated. The water extended as far as the eye could see, and yet for this individual, it wasn’t enough. Am I like that too often? Do I express my disappointment in God, choosing not to accept and appreciate his boundless love, finding reasons to quibble over small slights I’ve identified? As far as the eye can see, but not far enough to satisfy me. Forgive me, Lord, for my ingratitude and help me value the love and the gifts you’ve given me. May I lovingly extend these gifts to others. Amen.
I gazed out this morning and saw an island pelted with rain, hard rain that seemed insistent on remaining for the entire day. Dejected, I postponed my daily walk. Then
This morning’s low tide revealed piles and piles of broken shells, thousands and thousands of bits and pieces. I was amazed at the depth of the heaped shells—so much brokenness!