by Andrea Montack

Created on: May 13, 2009

The waves crashes angrily against the rocks, as if upset that they are being prevented from reaching the shore. After they leap over the rocks overcoming their hurdle, slowly they make their way to the shore. This was their original destination. The waves gentle caressing the beach soothes my troubled mind, as I lay on the beach lost in my own thoughts.

The beach is said to be a place of tranquility. Find a spot where you can be alone, and get lost in the movement of the waves as they break on the surface of the water. If you have a lot of things on your mind and is finding it hard to concentrate or make a decision, an early morning stroll on the beach has a way of making things clearer. It may be the crispness of the air, the clear skies or the calmness of the water at the point where the sea and sky seems to unite. The horizon reminds us that the possibilities are endless, and for that moment we are able to forget our troubles.

A picture that is used to depict peace in the midst of the storm is one of a little bird sitting on a rock, totally unaware of the waves that were crashing below him. This is God's way of reminding us that even in the midst of our troubles we can find peace. The bird's focus was not on what is crashing around or below him, but is comforted that the rock he is perched on is a safe place. We can be comforted that God is our safe place, even when everything is crazy.

The waves have to overcome the hurdle of the rocks or reefs before they can come ashore. Many waves are formed but only a few makes it to the shore. Another lesson we can learn from a day at the beach. Before we can get to our destination we will have to overcome hurdles. If we are resilient then we can achieve our objectives.

A walk on the beach in the night is a complete contrast from a morning stroll. The sky no longer gives the water a clear blue colour, but is replaced by a dark hue. There is not much to see, as the only source of light is the reflection of the moonlight as it dances on the surface of the water. However, the atmosphere lends itself to calmness, as you are forced to listen to the waves as they gently lap the shore. There is an air of tranquility and one cannot help but get caught up in the moment.

Nature has created a place where we can find peace. Inner peace is not the result of no troubles, but the reprieve from focussing on them, if even for a moment. It does not matter whether it's raining or it's a sunny day, the beach will always provide opportunities for us to clear our minds relax and find inner peace.

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