that morning.
passionately grabbing the hand of eager preschooler, we steal away from breakfast preparations, sleeping toddler, and understanding husband to experience the beauty up close. feet race over soft sand dunes, leap through thick rows of washed-up seaweed, and still in the wet, packed sand suctioning our toes beyond visibility.
daughter runs ahead splashing through shallow pools left by the tide, sending seagulls flapping into the air excitedly. heart beating wildly amidst breathtaking beauty of sun rising, waves crashing, the glory of creation...i am overcome and lift watery eyes to the heavens mouthing prayers of thanksgiving and praise, intimacy with Creator of All.
my gaze falls towards shells lining the surf and catches on a lone seagull standing in a maze of seaweed. in mind's eye, a gentle knowing pulls aside one curtain on this seascape stage unveiling mystery and deeper beauty through simplicity. seagull standing so still, patience, awaiting morning provision from our Creator's Hand. awaiting a morsel of sustenance to feast on from the vast sea spread before us both, the gull trusts.
watching and waiting in expectancy.
to trust as this seagull trusts, to patiently watch and wait expectantly for provision from the Father's Hand..to be so vulnerable yet assured..without control or evidence.
mind spins around this notion too wild and haphazard to fully embrace. taking a few steps closer to the surf, i scan the shallow depths hoping to witness the fulfillment of this gull's need, the washing ashore of plentiful, sustaining fish. nothing happens, seagull continues to watch and wait. glancing back at daughter romping about with bursts of neighing deep in the imaginings of wild horses, my eyes take in a panoramic shot down the coastline unveiling a most surprising, profound sight: seagulls lining the surf as far as these eyes could see.
a sight so precious to behold, an honor bestowed to this blessed observer.
yes, they all wait eagerly.
when clutching hand of Loving Father unfurls fingers, gently displaying today's provision, these gulls will be ready to partake of the bounty: watching and waiting in anticipation.
weeks have passed yet i keep coming back to that morning. a fresh lesson for the start of each new day.
teach me to seek You, watch for You, wait for You, and trust in You expectantly.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16: 9-11
