Inspired to Etch

On this cool evening in late July a stroll down the coast is in store. The sun is lowering itself toward the horizon, where the rolling ocean meets the sky. It's been a lovely summer day, the weather perfect for an afternoon down at the water in Oregon. The mossy green cliffs above, with their cascading shimmering hills in the golden sun; the rocky shoreline is jagged, rugged, and utterly breath-taking. It reminds you of something you'd see illustrating a magazine article. Few shells are whole, but you search diligently. Perseverance pays off as you reach down to retrieve a smooth sand dollar. The tide is out and waves crash against the exposed rocks covered in mussels, sea anemones and cucumbers. The sand is so moist and invisible water rests atop, creating a glassy, mirrored surface. The effect is beautiful in all its own, let alone what it reflects. A few paces further you discover a purple starfish that has washed up. Around the bend stands a massive lighthouse, anchored tightly to the top of the cliff. The sun is near to sinking below the skyline. Stumbling across a piece of driftwood, you sit to rest, watching as dusk sets in. A branch lies close by and you reach for it, inspired to etch in the grains. A passage from the Psalms coms to mind and these words pour through your fingertips, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Just like lighthouses are there to guide and protect ships all through the night, so is our Saviour there for us whenever we need Him. We shall seek Him and find Him when we search with all our heart. He will never leave us nor forsake us; He is always there, willing to lead us through joys and sorrows alike. This message may be wiped away when the tide washes in, but may it forever be hidden close to our hearts. A salty breeze whistles through the tall grass on the hillside, reminding you to keep moving. Energized, you spring to your feet, aching for adventure. The azure sky is spotted with fluffy white clouds, but soon take on wispy shapes and begin to shift to pale hues of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and all that is in between. The colors are magnificent, as if a live canvas were before you, painted by a Master Artist. The now silhouette of the lighthouse is a spectacular sight, its beacon faintly shining. The moment is flawless, more divine that a postcard image. For, you are here, now, living and breathing this very instant. You pause and lookout to sea, taking everything in. Your feet sink in the soft sand and ooze between your toes. A pod of whales spout just off the beach, surfacing every-so-often. The beam of light is now apparently stronger as it flashes in circles. A fog horn breaks the silence of the waves. Reluctantly, you start heading back, a flashlight lighting the way. Ghost crabs scurry rapidly to escape the glare. What a soothing evening, a wonderful experience. A day that speaks volumes to the majesty of our Creator. For who else would make such a grand place? The love of our Father is incomprehensible and this is only miniscule to what awaits us one great day in heaven.