Monday February 25th, 2008
The sea always evokes something. It asks a questions and begs an answer. For me, this morning, the ocean is healing.
I run for over an hour, beginning at one far end and run as far as my time will allow. The sun is high even though it is early because we are inching toward spring. I forget that sometimes the clouds are blown away from the shore and the sky is clear and blue over the water. It has rained for a week and this is the first dry morning; the sandy-footprints of yesterday’s rain-puddles are left on the cement. The water is dark green and tipped with white and the waves rise and crash over again.
I am almost alone. A few walkers and cyclists. The surfers are watching the waves, no wetsuits, just wearing their soft boots, sweatpants and sweatshirts holding their coffee…maybe the waves are too big? Maybe they are just too broken by the storm-summoned surf. Some of them are old and tanned and grey-headed, and some look like they are on their way to high school.
A crowd has gathered to watch the waves. There are men in busines attire who have stopped on their way to work. They are still tucking in their button-downs and are straightening their ties with their shiny coffee mugs. There are mothers with babies and other runners like me. There is a homeless man that looks like he’s my age. It makes me feel strange and sad to see him next to the shiny mugs. So many people, all looking in one direction…southwest, to the sea.
Conversations between people are lost in the roar, and a news helicopter flies over to broadcast a shot of the surf for the morning show. And I think and I run and I listen to Jack Johnson sing about monsoons and angels and Monterey Bay.
My own life’s ocean swells are forgotten for an hour and my hard get-it-all-out cry from last night is distant. The ocean, in it’s grey veiled beauty, speaks to me again, faithful always. And in it, I hear God and I smile because I feel silly not to have heard him before this minute; that I needed the waves to show me His words, and His thoughts toward me.
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The sea always evokes something. It asks a questions and begs an answer. For me, this morning, the ocean is healing.
What I would give to run along the ocean. I post about my love of the ocean often. The oceans represents healing in so many ways to me. I have lived close to ocean most of my life, and being so ar away now is difficult. I too, can hear Him talk to me through the crash of the waves. If there is one place that I hear Him and feel Him the most, it’s at the ocean’s edge. Thank you for sharing.
My darling sister,
HE loves you so much. I praise the Lord for speaking to us through His creation at times. I am glad that you had a morning like this to clear your head.
I too miss the beach like something aweful.
I have traded it for beautiful scenery and old buildings!
love you.
I LOVE Jack Johnson. We were meant to me – you and me!
The ocean is so peaceful, calming, and renewing – love it! I wish I lived closer and could enjoy it more often. I am envious of your morning run along the ocean – how awesome.
We have been enjoying some Jack Johnson in our house recently as well
)
There is something about the ocean. You are so right. Everyone is drawn to it like a magnetic pull.
I feel so calm and peaceful. I love the sights and smells. Just looking at your picture brings it all alive.
Your words made me feel as if I was walking along The Strand in Hermosa Beach. I love watching the water, people, and the homes.
Can’t wait to vacation there again!
What a beautiful picture. I have a desire to see the ocean again soon. It’s been way too long.
I love the ocean too. Something in me is at rest when I am there. Maybe it’s from years of playing on the beach as I was growing up (my grandparents lived on the beach)
The ocean is ‘home’ to me. Thanks for calling me back—-even but for a moment. I can hear the sound of the ocean……thank you Sarah!
My Jesus, My Savior Lord there is none like You…mountains bow down, and the SEAS WILL ROAR, at the sound of Your name…
I need His mighty roar to be present, to take over, to roar past “my own ocean swells” and my “hard get-it- all-out cries.” i need everything to be lost in His roar.
thank you sarah, thank you.
Oh that looks & sounds so refreshing….Beautiful blog Sarah.
how awesome that you ran at the beach today! do you remember all of our beach runs?! so fun. i’m coming home on saturday! let’s run next week! LOVE YOU! thanks for the birthday wishes too… i’ll call you tomorrow!
How incredible it must be to be able to run alongside the ocean. There is something magical about the sea…
I have always had a strong pull towards water, be it a large lake, or an ocean. Just viewing them puts me in my place, and fills me with awe.
I’m glad to hear that you’re running again. I think you said you were slightly burnt out after your half-marathon.
I’m glad that you had some time with the Healer this morning, and felt His presence.
I’ve been out of the loop…I just heard something about Jack Johnson last week, and have heard something about him every day since then. I might need to check him out!
lovely post sarah.
from the daughter of a surfer girl: surfers don’t usually surf the day after a rain b/c of the city run-off. all the water from gutters, curbs and streets runs down to the ocean and the bacteria level is super high right after a rain. it takes a couple days for the bacteria to return to normal, safe levels. this is why the surfers you saw were not in the water.
Wish I could see and smell the ocean right now!!