The Ocean

There is something wonderful about the ocean, its steady rhythm, the unending pounding of waves as thay reach the shore with their towing pinnacles of white rising to the sky and the thunderous crash as they collapse upon themselves. There is a constancy that is somehow reassuring and yet there is a latent power and surprise that expresses itself most fully on those days where the sea seems angry and terrible, powered by unseen energy, driven by the wind. This is when I love it the most.

I've lived near water for most of my life. I'm blessed now to live where both mountain and sea are not only visible but accessible.

Today, I'm on the headland, watched over by the faithful lighthouse, as the waves crash mercilessly on the rocks below and the wind, a strong nor easter, cools the heat of the almost ended day. There are ships on the horizon waiting for their day in port,  their call to action and to offload what precious cargo they possess.

The strength of the breeze means that salt spray is glancing off my face even though i sit high above the sea. The sun, still warm glows with satisfaction. It is almost perfect.

Memories run through my head. Of a small girl jumping with delight across waves, or being dumped by their power only to be rescued by an ever watchful father. Of fishing with a beloved grandfather, out on the bay; feeling the small boat rock beneath the swell of the incoming sea as it throbbed and pulsed  through the heads not far away.  There were holidays by the sea, with family, and with friends met and cherished from year to year.

As i watch the sea now, my head is full of memories dancing around, making connections, drawing up more deeply embedded memories of times gone. But the sea is also about the future,  not just past memories. For me the sea, wild as it can be, speaks to the wildness that is within me and brings renewal. It speaks of what is to be. Of faithfulness, of future hope, of opportunities yet to present themselves in that totally unexpected way that takes you by surprise.

The sea is surprising. It is always there, but forever shifting and changing with the tides, the wind, the time of day, the phases of the moon and the depth of the sea floor and is shifting sands. Constant and changing at the same time. Beckoning me towards it and pushng me further. To do more, be stronger, take on the challenge.

I love to be near the open water. The beach,  the sand, the life that finds itself among the rock platforms. They are somehow part of my makeup, the salt in my blood, my parents used to quip, bringing life,  invigorating. And when I'm in the ocean i am free. Its like I can allow myself to let go of everything that crowds in on me. To be me. To pursue more; to live more fully.