November 6, 2004

Empty Beach

Walking on the empty beach, barefoot, I stride the juncture of the sand and the water - sometimes I am walking in the water, sometimes on the sand. Ever moving back and forth - in the water and then not. But my feet remain wet. And while on the sand, the memory of the ocean water and the feel of the waves lingers. In the water, I feel my toes grip the sand. Walking, I forget. Am I on the sand or in the water? Actually, I have never left the sand. I have never left the water. They are both right here. Right under and over and through me. I am immersed in both.

Walking on the empty beach, I am aware of a vastness I cannot fully comprehend. Vast sky, vast ocean, and vast grains of sand. I am small, barely significant, nothing. My heart overflows. I am so in love with this earth and sky, ocean and stars, and the astonishing Presence that permeates all. It is as if my love for these surroundings is the impulse that makes it so...makes the water so cold, makes the sky and ocean so blue, makes the breeze so fresh. Right here is the moving juncture of the historical and ultimate axis. Right here. Where ever I am. Where ever you are.

The seagulls take flight.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

"It is as if my love for these surroundings is the impulse that makes it so...makes the water so cold, makes the sky and ocean so blue, makes the breeze so fresh."

What mystic walks here...?

Meredith said...

isn't God's creation amazing!?!?!??

*smile*

--
Posted by collegekid

Anonymous said...

Where in life did I lose my capacity for wonder, for vast love, for taking flight? Where did you find yours?

Marjorie said...

This is a beautiful post -- I love it and can begin to understand. Thank you.

I am so in love with the blazing autumn leaves that sparkle in the strong sunshine against a blue, blue sky. The Creator loves us so very much to want to show us these simple, beautiful things. I can be still to experience that.

Joe said...

Sparky, when I read your posts I am humbled. There is such innocence and authenticity present. Thank you for the gifts you offer here.

Marjorie said...

Thank you, Akilesh, but I think I am the one receiving the gifts here. This blog is a beautiful garden I love to visit, where I feel peaceful and happy and no longer confused -- beyond my comprehension, yes, but I don't mind anymore.

Joe said...

Imagine if all the tumult of the body were to quiet down,along with all our busy thoughts about earth, sea, and air; if the very world should stop, and the mind cease thinking about itself, go beyond itself, and be quite still; if all the fantasies that appear in dreams and imagination should cease, and there be no speech, no sign: ....

and imagine if that moment were to go on and on, leaving behind all other sights and sounds but this one vision which ravishes and absorbs and fixes the beholder in joy; so that the rest of eternal life were like that moment of illumination which leaves us breathless...

Would this not be what is bidden in scripture,
Enter thou into the joy of thy lord?

Saint Augustine

Unknown said...

I'm surprised you like Augustine -- he always seemed like such a stodgy dogmatic soul to me. But there is of course Light in one and all.

I've made some changes over at the old kwakersaur. If you'd like to be a part of them visit me at kwaker skripture studyI didn't have your email so I couldn't invite you privately.