I’ve often heard people say that the beach is one of those places that they feel the presence of God. When you are staring out at the vast ocean, bare feet sunk into the sand, the sound of wind and waves drowning out the busyness of the world, it make sense. There is a peace and a presence that can be felt in that space. I know because I’ve felt it too.
I was at the beach recently and realized that feeling God’s presence in this way - maybe during the early morning or late evening when hardly anyone else is around is only one way to sense God. The quiet way. The solitary way.
But as I sat on the beach mid-day surrounded by people I saw God all around me. I saw people - old and young - reclining in their chairs and simply staring off into the distance at the ocean. They probably did not realize that they were deep in meditation. As they sat they were breathing deeply of the salty ocean air and exhaling as the waves crashed. If you have done this before you know the feeling of being centered and connected and renewed - it’s like praying without even realizing it.
I also saw children young and old at play. Some were searching for shells and other precious treasures God created for us to find. Some were throwing the ball back and forth or riding the waves or climbing the rocks. Godly play meeting natural wonder. I also saw families building castles together - using their hands to dig in the sand to form and create structures and worlds. As they did so they were imitating God the creator whose hands formed the world. I saw people in sabbath rest with their hats pulled over their eyes lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the ocean.
Sure, God is there in the early morning when the world is quiet and we walk along the beach in silent reflection. But God is also in the hustle and bustle - in the play and fun - in the crash of waves and the call of gulls - in the laughter of children and the snores of grandfathers. We just need the time to look around and see it - to stop and notice God in the midst of us all the time. In the quiet and in the chaos. In all places.
