When Your Soul Sighs

Reheated tea from the microwave sits steeping on the coaster next to my computer waiting. A collection of old school supplies waits in the hallway too. The pile I step over to get to my bedroom. There’s a list of things to do in every room. Each item mocks me when I step through the door.

Yet, my soul calls for the sea, and all I know to do is listen to the Voice.

I slip on sneakers; pull morning curls through elastic, grab the sacrament of seeing across my shoulder and drive five minutes down the road to the sound of His voice.

Rolling waves of morning crystals laid out and showing off. For those who’ve gathered to see.

There’s a heavy sigh alongside calling.  A mother’s heart trembles when her children suffer. A wife exhales subterranean over the weight her husband carries, that which eludes her capabilities. Bottomless breath covers circumstance and promise that repel like twin magnets.

It’s why the Sabbath is a commandment and not a suggestion. He cares about our time. (Exodus 20:8)

Because at the end of checked off shoulds, there remains an abyss full of wanting sighs. And in the refrain of doing, just for a day, trust resets her clock ticking thankful.

My foot leaves an imprint in wet sand beside bubbles popping in the afterglow of frothy sea. A bird rests watchman on the wall, affirming my place in the wide expanse, slow twisted and tall.

God is here. He resides in every frame.

His presence sways in crowds of sea grass, and in the lone fisherman casting patience. In the anticipation of floating surfers, waiting for His hand to push waves ashore.

I release the sigh of yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s fears in the response of my souls call for the sea. All I know to do is listen to the Voice. Breathe slowly and remember who I am in His reflection shimmering on the water.

When life gets heavy, how do you find peace? Do you find it difficult to take a Sabbath?

Giving thanks for the nearness of the sea with Ann today for Multitudes on Monday and linking with On, In, and Around Mondays Playdates with God, Hear it, Use it, Soli Deo Gloria, Just Write, Into the Beautiful, Faith Barista Jam Thursday.

How the Sea Helps Me See

Almost a month ago, I stood on the banks of Ravenglass at twilight and England spoke of my destiny. I stood in the place where relatives of centuries left their imprint on the rocky shores beneath. Where the gales of hardship beat against the walls of fate but they still carried on.

The tide pulled her waters out to sea, left boats captive on shore waiting for her ripples to return. And I am mesmerized by this scene of tipped over sails like toys left stewn on the floor without hands to push them along.

“This is your life without my Spirit to guide you,” he whispers with each click of captured beauty. Grounded. Will you wait for me? The rushing waters of my Spirit will navigate to places you have never been before. We will move out together into uncharted waters of adventure.”

When life returns to grocery lists, soapy sinks, last minute school projects and waiting rooms of life, I walk along Atlantic shores of home.  Cast my cares out like fishing line searching for answers that float in deep water.

And just when I think my line is empty, nothing but the voice of the wind to fill my ears, I look to the horizon. Cup hands around eyes to see the outline of a boat headed out to sea. The rocking waves of His Spirit carried me here and the adventure he planned, it’s already under way.

I just couldn’t see past what was right in front of me.

I need the sea because it teaches me. ~Pablo Neruda

Joining Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday with the one word prompt: See. Also linking with Faith Filled Friday.