a cold day at the beach

i went swimming in the irish sea yesterday. some lady was throwing a tennis ball, and her dog would jump out and get it. then i got in, and she threw the ball and i got to it before her dog, and the dog swam after me. then i realised that i could barely feel my feet, so i fantically swam towards this rusty, barnacle covered ladder. i cut my hands up, but i couldn't feel it. my legs were purple. it was a good time.

it's so refreshing to do something out of the ordinary. actually, most things that are good for you are out of the ordinary by the world's standards. in this age of computers and cars and pagers and deadlines (what a GREAT name for those) it is a rare thing for someone to stop and enjoy nature. and when i say nature, i dont mean the 'earth-mother' or some 'gaia life force' that just appeared... i am talking about the creation of the one living God, Jehova...(just thought i would clear that up) after a long time in the city, surrounded by the things that man makes, i start to shut down, and my vision narrows and i close in on myself. i forget that there is more than steel and concrete in the world.

i have to get out in the woods, out in wilderness and nature. it keeps me going. it gives my heart a rest and lets in breathe the fresh new grace of God. there are a few things that God has revealed about Himself through nature that He longs to communicate to our parched souls:

man's work is constantly wearing down; nature is constantly growing
man's work is obsolete everyday; nature is new every day
man's work is self-destructive ; nature is self-healing
man's work is dutiful ; nature is beautiful
man's work consumes ; nature produces

im not saying that the things man makes are bad... or that we would do well to sell all our possesions and move into huts in mongolia. i am just saying that you should take advantage of the 'spiritual filling station' that God has created to soothe your minds and strengthen your faith through quiet and peaceful moments that you can spend, just you and your God. remember that the things of God will last forever. the things of man will be burnt up in an instant.