Missing You Comes in Waves

Like many people, I enjoy going to the beach. I'm not a fan of just laying around in the sun though. I like to walk in the shallows, collect shells, and sit and watch the gentle waves roll in and ebb out. The sound of the water is soothing and peaceful. As a child I would make "drip castles". For those of you who don't know, or call it a different name, that's where you get a handful of very wet sand and let it drip and oozed out of your fist, letting it pile up to make a "castle". I would try to make the tallest one I could before the weight knocked it down. Sometimes I had contests with my brother to see whose was the best. Other times we worked together to create an entire kingdom. When I became a mom I taught my girls to make them as well.

Of course, these wonderful creations didn't last long. Inevitably a wave would come ashore and wash our beautiful masterpiece away, sometimes before we even finished. That was part of the fun though. Despite knowing what was going to happen, we built our castles over and over.

In order to avoid the waves, you have to get farther away from the water. Without the water we couldn't construct our castles. Sometimes you have to take that risk.

In life, we experience different "waves". Some are emotional, while some are mental. No matter the wave, we have to hold our breath, tighten our stance, and hold fast as it crashes into us.

The waves that keep bombarding me are my memories. I know many things that will trigger a memory and I can prepare for them, but sometimes they sneak up and hit me out of nowhere.

We didn't see the wave about to hit!

One of our vacations when the girls were little took us to Corpus Christi. I ventured out into the water holding Caitlin, who was about 18 months, in my arms while holding on to 3 year old Alison's hand. Every time a wave would come I pulled Alison up with it. We turned around to let Dad take our picture and a wave snuck up on us. It hit with enough force to knock Alison's hand out of mine and she slipped. Luckily the water wasn't deep, but she did come up sputtering. She said it tasted like salt and pepper. I assumed the sand was the pepper. Like a trooper, she got up, grabbed my hand and was ready to go again. (Caitlin was not a happy camper through any of this!)

Sometimes we can prepare for the waves that come at us daily. Whether at work, home, or on the commute, we have enough experience to know what may come and how to be ready when it hits. When the waves of life take us by surprise, we have to get back up, wipe our eyes, and be ready for whatever is next. There are times when my memories knock me down. I end up having a big, ugly cry. When the tears subside, I have to dry myself off and face life again. Maybe the next time that memory comes at me I will be able to stand against it better and just let it wash over me.

If you've been on a lake you may have seen signs saying "No Wake Zone". When going through these areas you have to use idle speed so you don't create a wake, or small wave. Generally these are areas where swimming is allowed, where fishing is popular, or around the boat ramp. The wake of a passing vessel can create havoc, especially if you are not prepared. It tosses you around and can cause you to lose your balance, possibly injuring yourself. While on a "Duck Boat" ride in Branson, Caitlin and I were soaked by the spray of a jet ski that decided to splash the boat while we were looking the other way (This is illegal by the way!). That was quite a shock! Not only did we get wet, the entire vessel was rocking violently. Even small waves, like the wake of a boat, can cause major disruptions in your life.

Many times the memories hit me out of nowhere, just like that wave. It comes up fast, dumps all over me, and leaves a mess! Other times I get rocked a little, but my world rights itself in a short time.

As time goes on, I hope that I am more prepared for the waves that come with the memories and special days, and I can keep myself from being washed away like a drip castle. What I do know is that no matter if I'm upright or knocked into the surf, I will get myself up, dry off, and sit back on the shore to watch those waves from a distance. I'm not going to stay completely away from the water though. Life is not about avoiding what is difficult. You have to jump in with both feet, navigate the rough water, and enjoy the calm sea when it comes.

I am reminded also that no matter what size the wave, I have Someone who calms the storms and walks on water. I know that I can rely on Jesus to be my comfort and shield during the trying times. When those waves come, and they will, hold on to Jesus! Just remember, keep your focus on Him. If you look to the waves you will sink.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." Isaiah 43:2