encounter

One sleepless night, the next morning bright and early consumed with junior high ministry. My mind worries if I will conjure up enough energy to be effective this morning yet my body feels weightlessness as the Holy Spirit sustains. Prompting to visit His creation I find myself driving west to the beach. Upon arriving at Marine Street beach on a clear, 70 degree Sunday morning and hardly a body there I notice the tide has drawn out the sand and all tidepools are exposed.

I sit down on a ledge and allow myself to quiet down the busyness of my thoughts. I begin reading the Psalms that proclaim the works of His hands and write in my leather bound notebook about the wonders of creation and our Creator. Fifteen minutes slip by of silence, a restoration of my soul ensues as I hop down, take off my floral mary-janes, roll up the legs of my jeans and begin a journey.

Mastering the slippery rocks coupled with uneven treading ground proves difficult as the two ton Bible in my bag throws off equilibrium. As I come to terms with my footing I notice a small, deep crevice on the edge of the rock with puddle of water and rocks evenly stacked inside. I made this for you. I knew that your heart would soar when you saw this. I made sure you looked right here and knew that I created this moment, this hole in the tidepool for you to enjoy. I stopped. Creator God, Elohim, called to me, beckoned from heaven that He made this for myself alone.

I began walking. A smooth, evenly-rounded white stone, I made this one for you, I know how you like solid yet elegant beauty. You like it right? I nodded to myself and climbed up an even bigger formation. As my feet came near a slight crack, fear of rock-dwelling crabs scuttling out to pinch my toes overwhelmed me, I've got you. Nothing is going to harm you while I'm here. Calm down, trust where I am leading you. Peace swept over me as I reached the top unscathed.

A couple was coming from the opposite direction. Say hello. While passing them I chipperly exclaimed, "Goodmorning!" I was met with beaming smiles. See, it's not that hard. Every place my eyes rested Elohim proclaimed His goodness and promise of love to me. As He ravished my heart, I ravished His. This dream-like state was reality, His presence washed over and over me as frequently as the waves pounded against the rocks near me. Again and again I heard This is for you. Do you like it? Over and over I rested in the peace of His affections.

The tide started to come in and would soon block me from finding the stairs leading to the street, It's ok, you can turn now. Glory from His essence permeated my steps, no longer feeling exhausted from the previous night, overcome by the Holy Spirit, I knew He cared. After minutes of sheer joy passed and whilst sinking in the holiness of the moment, I found my way back through the tide pools.

Up ahead another couple on a walk with their German Sheppard found their way, crossing my path. I looked at the dog Yes, even the dog is made in my image and is part of who I am. The dog ran ahead of his master, bounding straight for me. The man yelled, "It's ok, he's nice!" I smiled and patted the softness of his head, "Ok, thanks!" The dog followed me as I walked closer to the couple, as I passed them, the woman stopped, turned around and said with a suprise, "I guess He likes you!" My heart skipped, my breath was short, my soul leaped. He likes me. God likes me. He did all of this because of His enjoyment and delight He finds in me.

I gazed towards the crashing waves ahead of me, the majestic force of the lip thrusted white foam across the surface. I watched two waves simultaneously form then crash, You're welcome. I walked back to my car, smiling in disbelief at the incredible revelation. As soon as my key hit the lock, tiredness overwhelmed me. He sustains me.