The Battle of Who I Am and Who Am I

I recently took a business trip to the west coast. And I planned it just right to arrive two days before I needed to, so that I could unwind and have some peace and quiet (man time).

Thankfully, I was actually able to relax for those two days. What I did with them was this: I drove around by myself, in the quietness of a foreign town and my rented four cylinder, four-door mobile, and spent a handful of hours alone on the beach, watching the tide ebb and flow.

I saw birds of all sizes, women and men of all shapes and fitness, wide-eyed children, and countless dogs.

I waited by the edge of the water through an overcast night. I waded in it during clear blue skies. And stayed long enough around it to settle the scent of the sea deep within the recesses of my mind.

I came to really really like the beach. I don't slow down much. But for those two days I did.

And through the rushing of the waves, the diving of the sea gulls into the deep, and the way the water crashes into the beach and then quickly runs back into the sea--through those natural states of things, I came to realize just how much the father loves me. If he takes the greatest care in arranging the flight of a bird and the dropping of a spec of sand onto the sea sore, how much more does he delight in caring for those who's hearts are truly his?

Surely, his order is mighty and sustained. For if he would remove his thumb from creation for one moment, we would die. Jeremiah 31. But if he can keep the tides and number the sand on the shore, then he can set his children on a rock that cannot be moved or pulled or drug under. Isaiah 42. And even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Psalm 23. Because my days are numbered in his divine, perfect delight. Psalm 1

For his ways are highways. Isaiah 55. They fool the wise. And speak as wisdom to the foolish. 1 Corinthians 1. But he will fight death itself to keep those who's hearts are his. John 3:16.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow (his children) all the days of (their lives). And (they) shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23.