Pathway to the Sea

Sometimes it’s funny. The most poignant things that God shows me, are not always in the most stunning photos. Often His lessons, are in the simplest images, as He helps me see something unique, in what others might even call ordinary.

Pathway to the Sea

We had just taken a bike ride, and knew that if we peddled up this steep hill, we would be rewarded with a view of the sea. But taking photos is always interesting to me—as perspective, is everything. From where we stood, the angle that I chose, it looks like you could walk right into the sea. It appears—that on a warm day—you could walk right into the foamy water, and dip your toes or take a swim. But truth is, we were actually standing on a cliff. One false move and we could have, indeed, landed on the sand, but via a tumble, not a stroll.

High upon a sandy bluff,

We looked out o’re the sea,

From a simple pathway,

That was lined with grasses before me.

There stood a wooden fence on the left side,

And open slates stood on the right,

And through the path they created,

We could see miles of ocean, sky, light.

It looked like you could just walk out,

And touch the grains of sand,

Step right into the waves and foam,

Yet that is not where you would land.

We were actually above the shoreline,

Suspended on a steep, angled hill;

The pathway that appeared one way,

Would instead, lead, to quite a spill.

And I was thinking: What areas of our lives might look just this? Do we sometimes look at life as though we have fences on either side of us, feel protected, feel like we are following our perfect plan, yet perhaps, we are ready to fall off a cliff? Following God is sometimes like walking on a pathway to the sea. It is an intricate, delicate balance of trust, looking out for the markers that He is placing along our path. But it is also imperative, that we are vigilant to be aware of our perspective.

We must be mindful of the things that look or sound like God, but are not His voice, His Will, His way. And sometimes, I’ll be honest, these things are difficult to discern. In my own life, I have several relationships, a number of people that I care about, that I feel are not seeing the whole picture. And in those times, I have to ask God for His discernment, His wisdom. I am not anyone’s Savior; God alone holds that title. He alone, can bring a soul into His presence. And sometimes, the only option I have is to pray. It is the best gift I have to offer them, and my Father.

I can stand upon a sandy bluff,

And feel the winds buffet and blow,

It is not for me to solve another’s issues,

Only His love, can I show.

We each have a path to follow,

Somehow we each must find our way;

And sometimes the only thing we have to truly give,

Is to be on our knees, to pray.

We can’t walk into another’s ocean,

We cannot calm their choppy waves.

Only the Father can bring peace and healing,

Only He can save.

It’s not always easy,

This holding on, and letting go,

But just like the tides of the ocean,

Love will forever, purely flow.

So if, like me, you are struggling yourself, or with the needs of others, remember that prayer is the best solution. It is the simplest—most heartfelt gift—that you can give to anyone. There is not one person in your life, that would not benefit from being remembered in the next few weeks. We are each following individual paths, we all face different circumstances, different challenges, but God can meet us where we are.

There are no fences to restrict us from seeing Him. He is where we can gain our strength, get a fresh perspective, gain the giving-heart that is “supposed” to go with our relationship to Jesus. So if you are lacking any of these, or you feel burdened, come. Sit at His feet, pause at the sea. See that He loves you. Know that you are His child.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 ESV

Dear Lord,

I ask for a pathway to see You, open my eyes to know You are here. Let me experience Your presence in a fresh way, Yahweh. May I behold You with a fresh perspective. I willingly give You permission to guide my life, my decisions, my thoughts. Help me to discern the way that leads to Your Will, Your ways. Let me be a light to others. Show me how to love purely, but to understand that I cannot solve anyone else’s issues, no matter how much I love them, or want the best for them. I can listen, support, be there, but my first, last, and best gift to offer anyone, including You, is to pray. It is my simple act of obedience, trust and faith.

Amen.

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