One of our favorite aspects of being at the beach is staying on the seventh floor of our condominium complex. It’s the top floor; we’ve learned to request it every year. Why? Oh, we both love to bask in the sun as we’re in lounge chairs on the deck near the pool and read or just drift off for a little nap; my hubby and I love people watching in and around the pool and swimming a few laps; I especially like doing water aerobics on certain days and meeting other ladies; we enjoy walks down the beach taking in the sights; and we both love getting in the ocean and riding the waves. But one of our favorite things to do while at the beach is to sit on our balcony and look out over God’s beautiful world. Usually, we eat breakfast and lunch out there to just soak in nature and the scene all around us, from the birds to the waves to the sand and the crashing waves.
This year, we were both out on the balcony as we watched the sunrise several mornings. It was spectacular every morning! Even on cloudy mornings, God didn’t disappoint. One morning we ate our breakfast out on the little deck as we were able to watch all the happenings on the beach — from cars getting stuck in the sand to birds trying to find grubs to eat in the sand or just watching individuals walk or play in the ocean.
As we both waited for the sun to peak over the horizon, I couldn’t help but notice people on the beach. There were scatterings of people from one end to the other. Most were like us – glued to the horizon and waiting for the sun to emerge for the start of a new day. It was September so it wasn’t super crowded, especially that time of the morning. The few people out on the beach were mainly still; you could feel the expectancy in the air.
I noticed a lady doing yoga and/or meditating; there were a few couples walking slowly and enjoying the view; there were even more just sitting and staring at the ocean and the horizon, waiting for the sun to appear; there were a few couples of all ages holding hands or embracing in these early hours; and it was so peaceful and quiet, except for the sound of the crashing waves. Even the birds seemed noticeably silent, as if they knew to not chirp or make noises during these sacred hours before the sun peeked.
This one particular morning, everyone was intent on the beauty around us. Without a major announcement or introduction, each person seemed to be watching in unison as we anticipated a glorious sight – the start of a new day with a wonderful sunrise. However, this one morning, a man had his metal detector going up and down the beach. He was busy and intent. He never looked up; he was indifferent to the miracle about to occur. He kept his head down and waved his metal wand back and forth in those wee hours.
It bothered me; his actions were so sad. Oh, I get he was task oriented. He wanted to find a major treasure or discover some precious metal that a family member had lost or accidentally thrown out. That was his prerogative. But it was like he was immune to all of creation around him. He never even looked up at the ocean or the sky!! One would think he would stop and look up, just out of curiosity if nothing else. But no. He kept on with his mundane task. As the sun peeked over the horizon, there were rays shooting out everywhere and lovely colors spilled onto the sky. Because of his being so fixated on his task, he totally was oblivious to the gorgeous pinks and blues of the sky that would not be seen ever again, at least on this particular day. His actions, busyness and total disregard for the spectacular sights and sounds around him made me sad; I grieved for him. I wanted to scream at him from our balcony room to look up and not let life pass him by! How could he be so close to this glorious occurrence and yet miss what was so lovely, miraculous and breathtaking?
Was him finding a small trinket that important? Could it not wait until the sun came up?
Oh, I’m not naïve enough to believe that all the people watching the sunrise, who maybe just love nature, also believe in and worship God. But at least, there was some recognition in them of the magnificent sight that was about to occur. They wanted to see it, experience it and observe it. They didn’t take it for granted!
How about you? Is God trying to get your attention? What are your priorities? Perhaps, He has a miracle in store for you or at least something pretty amazing in front of you. But you are so focused on your own agenda and are keeping your head down in the muck and mire. You don’t see or realize the blessings right in front of you. You’re so fixated on the “ordinary” or the task at hand that you don’t take time to SLOW DOWN and LOOK UP to see what miracle or extraordinary occurrence God has for you.
Do you have the right priorities as you go about your day? Are you so fixated on what “seems important to you” that you miss the extraordinary that God has for you? Is He setting your priorities or are you?
Do you hear me shouting?
LOOK UP, My Friend!! Don’t miss His blessings or what He’s trying to teach you.
The world creates many distractions. It’s so easy to keep our heads down and be consumed with just daily tasks for living – and/or things that don’t contribute to our spiritual growth or aren’t even part of God’s plan for us. Can you relate?
Looking to Him first helps us put it all in perspective and realize what’s truly important.
As I wanted to shout at this man, I also prayed for myself. That I would not be guilty of wasting the time I have left in this life. I want to make the most of it. I want the Lord to set my agenda each day, even when I’m on vacation! It’s a lofty goal. Easier to type than carry out.
But the picture of that man slumped over as he waved his metal-detecting wand back and forth is etched in my brain and heart. And this verse came to mind:
Psalm 119-:36-37 “Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
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