Catharsis

I have never been a "nature-y" type of person. I can appreciate the beauty in the outdoors, but it is usually quickly replaced with the fear that an unwanted critter is going to come out from under a log and "get me." I prefer to enjoy the less dirty/buggy confines of the great indoors.
Despite my aversion to all things nature, I have an uncommon adoration of the ocean. This has not always been true. As a child, I was terrified of the ocean, (see above reasons) and would often spend entire beach trips asleep on a towel. But as an adult, I have become almost mesmerized by the power and tranquility of this absolutely uncontainable entity. I can sit on the shoreline and stare out into the everlasting waters for entire days. I get lost out there. I think about nothing and everything. There is a strength and a calmness there, that I believe does not exist anywhere else outside of the kingdom of God. I am so thankful every time I am able to experience that beauty.
At least once a year, I find it necessary to make the pilgrimage if for nothing else than to recharge my mental batteries. I find nothing else to be anywhere near as cathartic. I return from my trip with a new vigor to take on what comes to me; a strength only possible through those healing waters.
Thankfully we were able to spend time in the Gulf this summer. I, as always, am ready to take the world on now...at least until next time.