Oceans and storms

I love the ocean. I am compelled to be near it. I can sit and watch it for hours on end and have to pull myself away from it. On my last few visits to the ocean, I realized that I feel closer to God when I am there… thunder and lightning storms, too. I will actually speak aloud to Him, praising His might and glory. When you see the world come together in such fantastic ways, when you see your hand and the intricate bone structure and amazing movements, when you watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis… these things fill me with such a wonder and joy.

Well, the other day, on my walk in the forest with Him, I pondered why it is that the ocean has a more powerful affect on my emotions and closeness to God, in my mind, than the forest does. Nature is nature and He made it all. I love every aspect of exploring His creation… but the ocean… wow. I absolutely love the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. The way they are constantly in motion and you cannot fathom the complex nature of everything hanging in the balance of that movement. The high tide, the low tide, the changes… it is all so powerful.

And thunder storms. There is nothing more awe inspiring than the thunder and lightning and rain of storms. In the last two years here in Flagstaff, I was blessed with major rolling thunder and lightning for hours on my birthday. Even when it wakes me up, which is never a good idea unless it is an emergency, I lay in wonder and praise God for this glorious gift. I giggle and smile and lay there just listening to the sound of His power and might.

So, as I walked through the forest chatting with Him, it dawned on me: I realized why I love the ocean and thunder storms so very much more. The forest is quiet and still, for the most part. I walk through it and it is there for me in all of its beauty, yes. But I can’t see the change take place. Unless I sit in one place for hours, I can’t see the flowers open and close their little pedals in answer to the sun and cold. I can’t see the changes in the trees or the shifting of the rock. Other than the animals, there is little movement as I walk through the environment unnoticed.

But when I sit by that ocean, there is nothing BUT movement and activity and power and might! The waves crash upon the shore as mighty bursts of energy, changing the surface of the shore and land. Nothing sits still or has a chance to get stagnant. I hear and see and feel it all as I sit in wonder of that vast expanse of water. As I talk to God and watch His creation, I am filled with love and appreciation.

Thunderstorms are the same. I want to believe that He is giving me a gift that is only for me. It is active. I can see, feel, hear and touch the elements that He creates. I am never closer than when He is interacting with the earth and with me. That is how I feel. That is why it is a more powerful enjoyment and closeness to Him.

Next time that you are out there enjoying the ocean or hearing a wonderful thunder storm, bask in the glory of His gift to you. Stay just a little longer. Connect with Him on a new level.