We love having the ocean as our front yard. To be so close to such a powerful force in creation is humbling and inspiring in all the right ways. The constant changing of the beach as waves give and take away with the rise and fall of each tide leave us amazed. Fishermen work the beach and ocean by foot and by boat, casting their nets to bring in the food that sustains these small fishing villages scattered along the coast of Ecuador.
When Geoff and I first visited Alaska we marveled at one of the highest tides in the world and were amazed at how far the ocean would recede from the land at low tide. Then we moved to this beach that sits almost exactly on the equator and didn't expect much of a tide at all. Well, the ocean recedes drastically where we are, although the vertical tide remains relatively low. This is caused by a very gradual decline of the land descending into the ocean. Below are pictures we took from our roof that illustrate the contrast of “our” beach between tides. Basically, we have a huge beach at low tide, and no beach at high!
When Geoff and I first visited Alaska we marveled at one of the highest tides in the world and were amazed at how far the ocean would recede from the land at low tide. Then we moved to this beach that sits almost exactly on the equator and didn't expect much of a tide at all. Well, the ocean recedes drastically where we are, although the vertical tide remains relatively low. This is caused by a very gradual decline of the land descending into the ocean. Below are pictures we took from our roof that illustrate the contrast of “our” beach between tides. Basically, we have a huge beach at low tide, and no beach at high!
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Many people use the beach as a road, traveling to the connecting small towns along this 7 mile stretch by foot, motorbike, and the occasional car. I've counted and at low tide I can walk 150 steps from the gate by our house until I reach the waves. In contrast, at high tide I can't open the gate without being splashed by the waves. The bigger waves at high tide come under the gate, only feet from our house. The sea wall protects the property from the majority of these waves, but the boat ramp allows it this small access. We plan our walks and commutes to friends’ houses along the beach at low-mid tide, unless we are in the mood to swim.
There are many cliché illustrations that have been, and can be, drawn from the ocean and its tides; many are deserved. The tide is ever changing, but ever constant. We can predict high tide and low tide, but not what its waves will leave behind as it recedes once more into the ocean. One night we enjoyed a perfect walk on our sandy beach without even a pebble threatening our bare feet. The next morning we woke to a beach stripped of sand with countless rocks blanketing the beach in the oceans clever exchange. Our next walk required not only shoes but demanded our attention to keep from turning ankles on its unpredictable surface. Every wave brings new offerings from the ocean, turning walks into treasure hunts. We have admired wide varieties of shells, fish, rocks, beach glass, and many other things (today the tide left a chunk of sea turtle shell near our porch). We never know what the tide will bring, and anticipate the opportunity to explore a new beach every day.
There are many cliché illustrations that have been, and can be, drawn from the ocean and its tides; many are deserved. The tide is ever changing, but ever constant. We can predict high tide and low tide, but not what its waves will leave behind as it recedes once more into the ocean. One night we enjoyed a perfect walk on our sandy beach without even a pebble threatening our bare feet. The next morning we woke to a beach stripped of sand with countless rocks blanketing the beach in the oceans clever exchange. Our next walk required not only shoes but demanded our attention to keep from turning ankles on its unpredictable surface. Every wave brings new offerings from the ocean, turning walks into treasure hunts. We have admired wide varieties of shells, fish, rocks, beach glass, and many other things (today the tide left a chunk of sea turtle shell near our porch). We never know what the tide will bring, and anticipate the opportunity to explore a new beach every day.
I have often heard the trials and joys of life referred to as seasons. I like this metaphor, as I do any metaphor drawn from creation, but sometimes life has a tendency to change much faster than the cycle of seasons. Lately, my life has come in tides. This is probably why the beach and I get along so well - we never know what that next wave will bring. Just a number of weeks ago I was looking forward to living in Ecuador as long as possible. Then the tide went out and revealed an entirely different plan, leaving me gasping for air as I envisioned life in Jerusalem. That's different. Yet by God’s grace we’ve learned to navigate all kinds of sudden changes that tides can bring, from sandy shores to rocky realities.
I have knelt at the ocean’s edge, overwhelmed by its vastness and power as thundering waves surge toward me, and I realize with renewed clarity just how vulnerable I am. Before this vulnerability gives way to fear the Spirit reminds me that my GOD is the GOD “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb,” and said, “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt.”* I am reminded that my GOD is in control, so I don’t have to be. It is HE who controls the tides, both of the ocean and in my day to day life. The changing tides bring new beaches to walk every day, some requiring more careful stepping than others, but my GOD is in control. Bring it on.
I have knelt at the ocean’s edge, overwhelmed by its vastness and power as thundering waves surge toward me, and I realize with renewed clarity just how vulnerable I am. Before this vulnerability gives way to fear the Spirit reminds me that my GOD is the GOD “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb,” and said, “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt.”* I am reminded that my GOD is in control, so I don’t have to be. It is HE who controls the tides, both of the ocean and in my day to day life. The changing tides bring new beaches to walk every day, some requiring more careful stepping than others, but my GOD is in control. Bring it on.
*Job 38: 8 & 11 (NIV)
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