At the retreat, on Saturday morning, I took my bible and journal to the beach. I put my pen to the paper and words began to flow, so I would like to share that journal entry with you.
[[ January 12th
I write this sitting on the most majestic beach I have ever encountered. Mighty waves fearlessly crash into strong, steady rocks. The wind blows my hair (and my journal pages) in every possible direction. The roar of the ocean overpowers all other sounds. The sun beams down, keeping me warm and making me feel alive.
I sit here in awe of all this powerful beauty and I bring all the glory to the Creator.
My God, you created these waves in all their mightiness; they resist nothing. Instead, they follow the pull of the tide with everything they have. They don’t worry about the immense, unmovable rocks that stand in their way, no, they do what they were created to do despite the rocks. They crash, with all their might, into these rocks, or onto the shore, wherever they may be pulled. God, I want to be like the ocean waves: obedient and fearless. I want to follow your pull on me without question and stay true to that course no matter what lies in the way.
And God, you created the rocks too! Not to stand in the way of the waves, but for their own purpose. The rocks do not waiver. They stand strong and firm in the foundation you have laid for them. They, like the waves, don’t worry about what is coming their way, even when what’s coming are mighty, unceasing waves. I want to be steadfast like the rocks. God, I want to be so sure of my foundation in you that I never fear what may come my way, no matter the power and force. I want to stand strong in who I am and firm in the purpose you have created me for.
God, you have created all this beauty and power with your own hand. You made the pull of the tides and the crash of the waves on the shore. You formed the rocks in just the right spot and exactly the right shape.
But God, you saw all of this, and then, you created me. With the same amazement and wonder that I sit here looking out at the ocean, you look at me. God, you look at me and see immense beauty. You see obedience, power, and boldness. You see strength and firmness in me. You see me the same way that I see all of your creation that lies before me. And that God, leaves me more astounded than anything else. ]]
