An Ocean of Possibilities

February 26th, 2009 |

As I write this “nook” article, I am sitting on a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Orange Beach, Alabama. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, the temperature is nippy, and the view is nothing short of spectacular. I have been in this exact spot many times. Through the generosity of some friends from Meridian, we have been coming here for the past ten years or so. What is different about this trip is the season. With one exception, all our time here has been in the heat of summer. After all, that’s when most folks head to the beach. But this year we needed a winter break. So here I am all bundled up, drinking coffee, and reflecting on life There are pluses and minuses of being at the beach this time of year. One big plus is less crowds and noise. Although the “snowbirds” are here, the parking lots, restaurants, shopping areas, and sand are a lot less congested. The down side is the weather, of course. It is a little more difficult to enjoy the beach when you are chilled to the bone. Don’t get me wrong. It can be done, but it takes a little more effort and planning.  Just like the weather at the beach, every season of life has its advantages and disadvantages. Right now some of you may be experiencing a blast of winter in your life that has nothing to do with the barometric pressure. It may be a result of some physical ailment, financial need, family crisis, or spiritual failure. Let me encourage you to bundle up and face the chilly wind head on. As you do, you will discover the view is still spectacular no matter the season. In fact, you may discover that the effort makes it that much better.

 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1