A Sand Canvas

The sand is an ideal canvas for designs. It reacts to wind and rain, to the sweep of sea oats and the smudge of wildflower pollen, to the imprint of animals and humans. This morning’s heavy, driving rain from the west made horizontal tunnels in the sand, like small borer holes. Draped over the beach or pulled so taut it ripples, the sand reveals all that has touched its surface. I can place my foot beside the footprint of a great blue heron and note the similarity in size or trace the path of a sea turtle laying eggs. Perhaps each person is like a sand canvas; we too reveal all that has touched us in our lives. Some may learn to camouflage their feelings, but usually we can read the designs etched in others, in their faces, their behavior, their speech. I need to be more careful of what I write in my life, what I say and do. Too often I’m careless and lash out unreasonably at others, when it is my impatience that speaks crossly. Please help me, Father, write beautiful designs in my life. Help me seek not only your forgiveness, but also that of those whom I have wronged. May the canvas of my life be a lovely testament to you. Amen.