There’s a Lot of Sand Here

Looking at the twinkling stars in the pre-dawn sky and then standing with my feet in the water at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, listening to the ceaseless rhythmic thrum of the waves falling on the shore, as the sun rises to reveal the seemingly endless expanse of water before me causes me to remember just how small and unimportant a cog I am in the machinery of life and the world. At the same time, on the other side of the equation of importance, there is the fact that my value is not found primarily in the context of the world and this life … it is found in the fact that God sent his only Son, Jesus to pay the penalty of my sin on the cross of Calvary. He willingly gave his life … for me. Those were among my thoughts this morning as I spent some time alone on the beach.

I wondered at this woman, dressed in pajamas, with whom I shared the lonely beach. She appeared to be weeping as we passed one another with a nod of acknowledgement. Then later I saw her appearing to dance at the edge of the water while the bird regarded us both from a close distance.

As the sun coursed upward from the horizon I was struck by the two pillars of cloud that were bathed in its light.

What does this image bring to mind? It almost looks like two giants facing one another off in mortal combat!

Yesterday, we visited the Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton and were sorely disappointed to discover that this huge market only had one aisle open on Monday and Tuesday. We enjoyed our visit two years ago and were looking forward to a return visit. At any rate, while Linda went with Charissa’s family and some friends I stayed and did some work after which I went back to the red Barn. It’s much more fun with my girlfriend along but I did spend some time visiting and got a T-shirt that we saw yesterday but were unable to get until today.

Later this afternoon we visited the beach again. I “salted” the beach with some starfish, sand dollars and other shells that were previously procured during a visit to the flea markets yesterday and enjoyed watching the grandkids “discover” them with excitement. We spent some time visiting with old friends and feeding pigeons french fries and funnel cake … in front of a belatedly noticed sign that said “DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS”. Of course the birds were not about to call our attention to the sign ;-).

I was asked today if I could get used to living here. I must admit that there is something in me that thinks it would be wonderful. There is something especially romantic about the idea of living in a place like this. Being far from family would be difficult. Beyond that though, beneath the surface appearance of attractiveness I’m sure there are serious issues that would have to be confronted just as they are anywhere else in the world. So, for now at least, we’re not likely to heed the siren’s call. We may come for a visit again from time to time though.