INSPIRASUNS

Last night my husband and I went to the beach to watch the sunset for the first time since Ian came through. As we drove to one of our usual beach access points we could still see the results of Ian so clearly. The first access point was still closed, as were several more along the way. We parked at the first open access we came to and made our way to the beach.

As we walked onto the sand the first thing I noticed was how cool the air was. The wind had picked up some and that was adding to the coolness. There was an odd feeling as we strolled, one that I really still can’t put my finger on. You just felt like something was different.

Normally, I would have taken off my shoes and wandered along the waterline looking for shells. With the effects of Ian still lingering, debris still washing on shore regularly, and the uncertainty of what bacteria is still making its way through the waters, that really wasn’t an option. The clouds had rolled in so there really wasn’t much of a sunset to watch either. So, we just walked the beach and listened to the waves.

Even though I could feel something had changed, what hadn’t was the incredible way the sound of the beach can make you feel. The waves rolling in have a way of calming and easing tensions, and they did just that last night.

We left not long after what would have been sunset, (couldn’t tell because of cloud cover), and drove to one more beach access, our favorite actually. It’s there where we saw the damage Ian had done. All of the vegetation around the beach homes and the entry walk was literally gone. Instead of beautifully groomed bushes, trees and wild grasses we saw seawalls and the concrete stilts of homes. It was like that all the way down the beach. Just off in the distance we could see the Naples Pier, or what’s left of it. It was unbelievable.

Ian has changed the landscape that there is no doubt. But, what Ian couldn’t change is the feeling you have when you are at the beach. Though it may look and seem different, not long after being there, the sounds you hear will bring that sense of calmness you remember, and engulf you. I’m just blessed to be able to call this place home.

Thank you Father for the gift of the sea. Let me always remember that gifts like these are from you and to give thanks for them each day.

Have a good day friends, thanks for letting me share a little piece of paradise 🙂 .

Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.