BUILDING SAND CASTLES
The beach and Summer were made for each other — just like the smell of burnt hair and BBQ's (that's another story). The experience of beach and Summer is nothing short of a prescription for the soul. Sun, sand and the rhythm of the waves have the power to gently massage away stress and take your mind into that happy place of midsummer musings.
A few days ago, we packed up the boys, and a cooler full of goodies, and headed off to New River Beach. It was a beautiful day: the sun was shining and the sky had a perfect smattering of white puffy clouds. The aqua Bay of Fundy was beautifully crowned with shimmering diamonds of sunlight. Off in the distance, Whale Island and further out, the high cliffs of Grand Manan gave the consummate distraction-attraction for wandering minds, and eyes. A cool onshore breeze made the air temperature perfect. What more could you ask for?!
We parked by a little known part of the beach and had our lunch. Then, we toddled off to become one with the sand. Sheila and I did our best impression of beach slugs while David, Graham and John played in the "refreshing" waves of Fundy.
We hit the beach right around low tide because that's the best time to go swimming at New River, for a couple of reasons: First, the sand, warmed by the sun, helps to take the edge off of the numbing waters of the Bay of Fundy--no sane person would consider dipping even a digit into the Bay, otherwise! Secondly, I love to watch the tide come in.
Now in most places watching the tide come in is as exciting as watching mildew form on a shower curtian! But, the Bay of Fundy really is amazing to watch — with its 24 foot tides rising two feet per hour. This is especially true at New River because the difference between low and high tides must be a quarter mile, or more!
The boys learned about the quickness of the tide when their efforts to build a sand castle were curtailed by severe local flooding. As I lay on my beach blanket pondering the deeper things of life, like what we might have for supper, I started to wonder about the builders of those massive sand sculptures on beaches all around the world. It's amazing what some people can do with sand: it certainly makes my shovel "pail" in comparison!
What is it that causes someone to choose sand, rather than paint, or metal, or stone, as their medium of choice? Is it the fragility, or limitations of the sand that challenges their creative spirits? Maybe it's the fleeting nature of sand art that draws certain artists. Or perhaps, such endeavors are an attempt at recapturing the joy, and timeless freedom, of our childhood summers. Maybe it's all of the above.
I once saw one of these artists interviewed and he did mention that part of his attraction to the art was the fact that his creations would succumb to the wind and the waves. He enjoyed the idea that he could create one of a kind masterpieces and then have them reclaimed by the elements. I guess his point was that life is short and beauty is beauty--even if it exists, or maybe, because it exists, for only a moment.
There is a message here for us: our world is so full of living in the future that we often don't experience life in the now. But, if you want to create, or enjoy sand art, you have no choice but to live in the now; you have no choice but to learn how to experience the fragile beauty of a moment. In the world of the sand artist, each day is a new opportunity for recreating their art and themselves. Looking at it this way, I can see the attraction.
But, as I watched the tide reclaim every footprint, every manmade mark, I couldn't help but think of how frustrating I would find working in sand. You see, I want whatever I create to last. I want the little bit of beauty I put back into the world to stand for eternity. I guess that's why I am a preacher. The materials I feel called to mold and shape are the eternal souls of men and women. It's my job, with God's power and Spirit and direction, to chip away at each soul until it shows the incomparable beauty of Jesus.
What are you creating with your life; how lasting is your creation? Do you even want your creation to last? Crazy thoughts aren't they? It's funny what pops into your head when you take the time to wiggle your toes in the sand. Please make sure you do some toe wiggling of your own this Summer!
This will be my last Whatcha for a bit as our family heads off for vacation. While you wait for something new, take some time to review the past pile of Whatchas. HAPPY SUMMERING!
