I heard the waves crashing against the shore before the beach came into view, the sound blending with the smell of salt air. A sound that is relaxing to me with its rhythmic splash as a wave hits the shoreline, carrying shells and sandy debris in its foam, then receding slowly from the smooth sand, leaving its gifts behind.
Gathering shells the tide leaves behind is irresistible to me, so I have to be very careful not to get salty water or sand in my camera as I stoop to pick up the treasures each wave brings in. Sometimes the waves tumble up and grab them again before I do, and they get pulled back into the swirl of water and sand. But that’s all part of the beach experience I love, including the feeling of sand between my toes, and sand washing away under my feet as the tide goes rushing back out.
We were suprised with a special show when two dolphins swam by, jumping and diving just a few feet from the shore. They played to the crowd watching in fascination for only a few moments before making their way back out to deeper water.
I love going to the beach any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are my favorite times. In this final photo the dolphins were long gone, and most people were beginning to pack up their beach chairs and head to the parking lot. Since we timed our beach visit to include taking sunset photos, we didn’t leave until the colors of sunset changed to dusk and the beach closed for the night. There is an indescribable display of colors as the sun slowly drops from the sky and seems to slide into the shimmering water, like a brilliant curtain is pulled down to signal the end of another day.
The sights and sounds of the beach are one of the many ways we can see and enjoy the beauty that God created. The waves crashing, the sun rising and setting, and the dolphins dancing declare the glory of God in their own way. Even though there are many troubles and trials in this world, we are so blessed to have the wonder of God’s creation to remind us of His love for us.
He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea; Job 9:8
God made us in such a way that we can fully enjoy the world into which He has placed us—ears that hear in stereo, a nose that inhales all kinds of fragrances, eyes that see in full color, taste buds that savor food, and hands that feel texture—all our senses declare the glory of God! Roy Lessin
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