After a long week of "working until midnight" days, I decided to take a little jaunt by myself to the shores at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
Like many drives around the Mid-Atlantic, most of the road is accompanied by forest after forest of trees, with a few breaks to see what lies beyond. Small towns, farmland, ponds, oceans? Who knows with all these trees.
But, off I went away from DC.
It is amazing what 20 miles outside of DC can do - relaxation begins to come back, as well as the shock that people still live in trailers and there are easterners that own four wheeler bikes.
Shame on me for becoming a "city-folk."
This is true America right outside of the granite halls of "justice" and "peace."
American flags, old trucks, fish/bait shops, and dirty old convenience stores lined the way. All good scenery, but the beach beckoned.
Without planning, I didn't have a particular destination in mind. That is, until I looked at the map and saw "Point Lookout State Park" listed on the bottom tip of the peninsula.
The tip of the peninsula ensured that I would be in that place nearest to Atlantic Ocean.
And, there it is! Where an old military hospital used to stand, one remaining building, a whole lot of rocks and a few stray fishermen - Point Lookout at the edge of the peninsula.
Since the beach was a ways off, and cluttered with too many people, I took to these rocks.
It was a bit hot - like over 100 degrees - and I had to wear my white hat to wart off the extra rays beating down and making me sweat. Yes, sweating while standing in a sea breeze.
However, it forced me into a few interesting observations.
First, the importance of viewing the horizon and seeing "the big picture."
(No, it isn't bad photography. The water isn't really a pretty color and the sky was a bit hazy)
Secondly, the importance of looking a bit closer.
(All the rocks had shells nestled up between them)
Third, how looking closer opens the mind. The realization that if there were a few shells, there must be more and perhaps some that I'd like to take home.
So, I walked further - near the guys that were fishing.
And, I found a special little spot. A tiny beach just for people like me - wanting alone time with the water, sand, heavens and breeze.
Looking closer, I started to find my shells.
Is it just me or are shells glorious when you pick them up and then a little less so when you get them home? Even so, I feel like a little girl whenever I pick up a shell - especially if I turn it over and it is extra shiny or contains an unusual array of colors.
My little treasures had to be put on display before I made my final selection from nature.
And, even more fun than swimming in the ocean is walking along it dipping the toes in the water as the sometimes tiny waves lap at the feet.
So many little details that I didn't see from a distance to be enjoyed.
And yet, so many little details two feet away that could cause problems.
Ah, these relaxing times to re-think life, ponder the grander of the heavens and the scariness of the ocean's depths. To see the horizons and see the details. All of the details. Up above and down below. To feel the details in the wind, the sand, the heat, the jellyfish, the shells, the worn down tree branches and the water.
Details and horizons all wrapped up into one solitary experience.
I say life's a beach - horizons and details.
And, if God can put that much effort and care into a little beach, just think about what He can do for me or you.
Next road trip - finding out His details for me.
