A Wonder
Looking straight out to the water - Newport Beach, south of the pier.
Looking the length of the beach, parallel to the water.
Thousands of coquina clams, here at my feet.
Dear Soul Shelter friends,
Here’s a moment of wonder I want to share with you. Such a moment can shake the dust off of our hearts and help us see a little more clearly. Pain can make it easy to miss.
From further up the beach, it definitely looked like gravel. But what if it wasn’t? Hm. I got curious. Walking closer revealed something different, surprising, and amazing: thousands and thousands of tiny CLAMS! They were very much alive. They were all waiting for the tide to rise again so they could burrow down to safety in the sand as each wave returned to the sea. In the meantime, they were in a pretty vulnerable position. I've felt that way - exposed, vulnerable, marooned, and waiting for the water to rise again so I could find my way to safety. Maybe you can relate?
There are times for action, and there are also times when we just have to wait. Both can be hard and scary in their own ways. Look around and see who’s with you. If you don’t see anyone, go find trustworthy people you can walk with. This is not the time to be a lone ranger. These clams even know there is safety in numbers.
If you're in a waiting time, know that the tide will rise again. That will be your time to act and dig your way to a better place. You will not be left high and dry, even if it may feel that way right now.
Praying gentle moments of wonder to find you, and that you might fully take in the breath of aliveness they bring.
You are not alone,
Wendy
Just in case: 24/7 U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline, voice: 800-799-7233, text: “START” to 88788