Sitting on the Deck with God at the Shore
A few weeks ago I shared some thoughts titled Man vs. Nature. I included a photo of our floating docks sitting in mud at low tide, which did not happen in years gone by. The relentless forces of the tides take sand away from the beaches, where society wants it, and deposits the same in front of our shore house, where we do not want it.
Today’s photo was taken at high tide, with my mood matching it. I was sitting on the deck in the sun, experiencing pleasure from those rays, and from the peaceful view of the water. A sense of contentment and the presence of God permeated by being, no doubt enhanced by the twelve ounces of beer I had just imbibed. I am a little concerned about my alcohol consumption, but not enough to change it. Similar scenes in this same location have occurred many times in the past and hopefully will continue in the future.
My pleasure was also enhanced by watching three other creations of God walking on the pier. Those were my grandson, Travis, and my nephew, Mark, and Mark’s dog, Pumba. Travis is 13, and earlier today I enjoyed his help and companionship as we replaced a headlight bulb in our car. Witnessing my grandchildren mature into fine young adults is another ongoing source of satisfaction to me.
Mark is in his early thirties. He and his wife, Tiffany, are expecting their first child soon. As I watched him on the pier I reflected on the excitement and the stress that accompanies parenthood. I predict he will be a very good father. I pray that God will bless his family as he has mine.
Timelessness and the passage of time were both reflected in this scene. The water and marshes and tides have been present for thousands of years, along with the birds and fish and crabs and other life forms that inhabit the area. I, by contrast, first arrived here fifty-eight years ago with my then girlfriend Alenda, now my wife of fifty-seven years. I recall Mark’s birth and childhood, some of which I witnessed at this location. The same is true for Travis.
In a few more years, I will permanently depart, and eventually so will Mark and Travis. For a while, their descendants may maintain the family legacy, perhaps for many years. Some of them may sit on the deck with a beverage, enjoying the view and the sunshine, and feeling the presence of God. Regardless, the water, tides, sky, sand, wind, sun, and moon will outlast the deck and the home. And God will oversee it all.
