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Aug 8, 2015

Distant Summer Memories



Far northwest beaches are reached after walking through verdant Pacific rain forests of towering aged trees. Occasionally mottled light splinters through the dense shade; that, and the sound of the surf, hints at the coastal splendor at the forest’s edge. 

Emerging from dense green foliage, stepping out onto the wide expanse of beach, floods the mind with the grander of the shifting boundary between land and sea. In that place beaches are wide, as the tide recedes with distant expanses of shallow water. 

The ocean polished remains of fallen, nearly whole, tree trunks are beached along the shoreline. Grey, splintered, and pock marked after untold time adrift at the sea. Smaller remnants of driftwood cluster with grey-blue indigo shells at the tide line. Sea tinged winds against one’s face, beach combing in bare feet, navigating the rivulets of sand and salt water; the soul ’s delight.

I unwrapped the collection of driftwood and shells that we had gathered that summer so many years ago and began to arrange it in a way that we could enjoy it’s beauty once again. Holding each piece, lifted an abundance of memories of that time and place. The extravagant beauty of that region; the old, old forests along an expansive coastline; the cool, moisture rich air; and the milestone in our life that the place marked. Through the years we have spoken of that time, recalled the deep serenity of those days, counted the years since we were there. It is a prominent marker on our timeline of living. A treasure in the midsts of numbering our days. 

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12


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9 comments:

  1. The Word and photo are absolutely truthful. Thank you for sharing so wonderfully. Counting on and focusing on Him is all we can ever truly do. Bless you.

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    1. ...and blessings whispered back to you ><>

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  2. What a beautiful, still post for Still Saturday. I could feel my whole body and mind relax as I read the words that you so carefully weaved into a story of rememberance.

    The way you described your collection of driftwood and shells marking a time in your history reminded me of Joshua and the twelve stones he placed in the Jordan in rememberance of where the priests had stood when they held the Ark of the Covenant.

    It was a blessing to visit here today. :-)

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    1. So delighted by your reminder about Joshua's story; purely inspired when ancient text resonates with personal stories. I'v been blessed by your visit here this weekend.

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    1. The classic wisdom that is often given, "Write what you know.", fuels the hearts' s investment in the flow of words. Thank you for your visit.

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  4. I've always loved that verse. It makes you wake up and do something before it's too late. :)

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  5. Lisa -- your words. So beautiful. And helping me anticipate. Hubby and I fly to Seattle to visit #2 son and his gf in September. Have never been to the Pacific. Looking forward to this: Far northwest beaches are reached after walking through verdant Pacific rain forests of towering aged trees. Occasionally mottled light splinters through the dense shade; that, and the sound of the surf, hints at the coastal splendor at the forest’s edge. And the shells...I have several different holders in our home for our treasures from the sea. Thanks and hugs. :)

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  6. I love the way your words cause me to feel as if I am right there in the setting you depict! Thank you for the rich tapestry your words create!

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