Tides

photo by Bill - today’s ponder was inspired by a dream where my sandcastle was washed away

Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Sandcastles. The work of afternoon fun under the sun. Something I've never been able to master, but I've always loved watching the construction of. Meticulous. Hours spent building amazing architectural designs. Diligently packing and shaping, molding, and sculpting wet dirt into something beautiful.

Tragically, I've also seen some sculptors not paying attention. They do not notice the time of day or their surrounding area. The tide rolls in, crashing over their work, washing it away and out to sea.

I can see myself as a sandcastle of sorts, created from dirt by a Master Creator. Constructed on the beach of life, where I must be aware of my surroundings. I am charged with molding myself and responsible for how and where I build my life. I shape my structure. It's on me to be attentive to the strand He placed me and to be prepared for the tides on my shoreline.

Life brings big waves. I get caught up trying to insulate myself from moments that can roll over me. But when I reflect, the daily mundane moments cause the most weakness. The constant, slow drip can rust out a part of me or dissolve my resolve. Not noticing my surroundings can lull me to sleep or pull me towards hate. And the tide swallows me up. All I work for breaks apart -- melts away -- carried back to a worldly sea. My lifeline stretching to its extremes until it becomes fragile, at risk of breaking—a rubber band, beginning to fray before snapping -- leaving me sprawling backward.

It's a tenuous time. Daily battles and challenges hide behind the everyday mundane. At any moment, something can strike and bite or hurt us and those we love.

Attentive. Dialed in. Committed. Unrelenting focus is what I should call upon to know where and what my castle is built upon. I cannot assume its stability; I must ensure its anchor is steadfast. So, before my feet hit the floor, I need to remember to pray that my senses be alert. My focus intact. My eye on Him so to be guided through the landmines of the day. See what I don't see. Sense what I don't sense – and for me to emulate Him while under His protection.

Then again, at the end of the day, pray before I put my feet under covers and drift off to sleep—a prayer of thankfulness for His being with me, my life-loves, and giving us another day to see.

The question is, am I alert enough to ask that He stay with me from morning till night, night till day, and keep the rolling tides far away?

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Have a beautiful week. Pray. Emulate. Be safe, be kind, and spread grace. Until next Monday, may the Lord keep the tides at bay.