I am not sure what it is about the beach that draws me in. It could be the seemingly endless rolling waters that remind me of God’s great majesty. It could be the peaceful sound of the waves that could put me to sleep in just a few moments. The feel of the sand between my toes and laid back in a chair without a care in the world is always appealing. Whatever it may be, there is definitely a pull for me towards the beach.
Have you taken the time at the beach to build a sand castle lately? It only takes a bucket and all of a sudden, you are a kid again. You begin to dig ravines. You may even compose a mote around the castle. It can quickly become a family activity as everyone comes to put their own special touch on the production. You can lose track of time when you are building a sand castle. We get everything perfect. We can be so pleased with our work – it may even be our best work yet. But if we pause for a moment, we know what will happen. Eventually the tide will roll in. Eventually the waters will rise and will wash right over our creation. So why do it at all?
Building a sand castle is one of the momentary joys in life. It isn’t meant to be permanent. We don’t create to make a structure that will stand for all time. That isn’t the point. We are simply making something fun in the moment and allowing our creativity to take flight. We are spending a little time in our day to just be in the moment. We don’t do that enough in life. We don’t spend our time on the frivolous, the simple pleasures. But sand castles teach us to differently. They teach us to spend time to build something just for the sake of building. No long term investment needed.
At the end of the day, the waters will rise. I wonder, though. Does the water destroy our creation? Or does the water provide us a clean slate to build something else beautiful, if just for a moment? I think we are given a smooth, clean slate that invites us to be a kid again. We are given the opportunity to just have fun. Nothing permanent, no investment needed. Just enjoy the moment.
Today, enjoy. Simply find joys that can transport you to childhood. Build your sand castle.
Focus Scripture:
Matthew 6:34
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 