Staying Afloat……
As I sat on the hard rock, looking out into the horizon, listening as the ocean waves helplessly slammed on the rocks beneath where I sat, I wondered if the gazillion drops of salty water had any choice but to dance together to the music of the winds. How far had these waves traveled before they got the the Ocean Shores of Washington State? How any shores had they visited before they paid me a visit? How many vessels had they pushed from one harbor to another before they finally went to water heaven? How much marine animals and plants lived under this huge ocean? All the time, as these questions came flooding into my mind, I was keenly watching the waves as they came closer and closer to the rocks below where I sat. I watched as some drops managed to seek refuge on some cracks between the rocks, perhaps seeking some “time out” or Rest and Recuperation, or time to meditate just as I. A ship seemed to suddenly pop out of nowhere, from the horizon, and as it came closer to my peripheral, and as it got closer, I realized it was a humongous vessel, like those ones I have seen severally at the Mombasa harbor. I watched as it floated across the waters at a slow yet steady pace. I wondered what it was ferrying, where it had come from and where it was going. I imagined that such a huge cargo ship was steered by just a small helm which is perhaps turned by one man. Isn’t that fascinating? All along I was enjoying the cool ocean breeze, which was actually very soothing, as I watched other small fishing boats come and go, as they caught perhaps the salmon I had planned to order at Alec’s by the Sea restaurant that evening. That was my happy place right there. Feeling at one with nature especially the ocean, one of the earth’s forces to recon with, God’s work of art, a magnificent phenomenon. Then I recall Nicole C. Mullen’s song, “I know my redeemer lives”, the lyrics making much sense as I sang; “and who taught the ocean you can only come this far….”. We all agree that if the ocean crosses the line, devastation is the eminent result. So it better just stay within the shores, and leave the rivers to meander inland.
In a flash, right in front of me, I noticed something move among the waves. It caught my attention and as I stared as the waves swelled and bust, I saw a small bird float on the water. I was taken aback at how that tiny little thing seemed to enjoy floating on the water. It felt like it was showing off, telling me how I could never do what it was doing. Well, I am a swimmer, not as fast as the likes of Jason Dunford, but I can pull lame breast and back strokes only in a swimming pool. But this little sucker would actually waiting for the wave to swell, then dives in to fish. I found myself cheering it on, and when it came up after what seemed like for ever, I would clap for it and say, “go! go! little chap”. I wonder what those behind me thought of my actions. Perhaps they thought I was loosing it but I was too engrossed in this live drama before me to care. I asked my “friend” google what birds fish along the these shores and among the images displayed, and by making reference to my new friend on the waves, I concluded it was a Cormorant. I kinda felt smart, and I christened her (yes, her) Cormo. So, as Cormo waited for the waves to rise, she would be floating on the water, swinging on it as though she was on a seesaw, and then take a dive in, and then come up. She did this over and over, and each time I would say, “where are you Cormo?? are you foolish or what? supposing you drowned?” but each time she came back looking heroic. I started to think about how each living thing is endowed with different abilities to enable it adapt to it’s habitat. Cormo looked very secure, comfortable, at one with the ocean, and well adapted. As I thought of what would happen if I was dropped into the same waves, I found myself in a trance, where I saw myself struggling to keep afloat as I galloping liters of the salty dirty water, scared, panicking, and just before I went in, I was brought back by the noises of a mother and her children laughing as they took pictures of the ocean. That vision got my heart pounding hard and fast and I was glad I was on dry land.
Cormo made me accept that I too was unique as she was, and I was made for a purpose just as she was. I knew then that I needed to find that which I floated best at, that which I am easy and comfortable doing. I must find the ocean that contains the waves on which I will graciously wait to swell right before I dive in for spiritual and physiological nourishment. I needed to find my nitch! Besides, the God who created Cormo, is the same purposeful God that created me and I am sure He put in me great talents and gifts that I got to discover for the benefit of others and myself. I decided that I was no longer going to be “jealous” of those who already discovered their purpose in life, but I was going to keep seeking and looking and I am sure I will find it or them. I urge you to also do the same.
1 Peter 4:10 – As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Praise the living God, Abba Father, the creator of the earth and universe with your gifts and talents. Let the world enjoy the fragrance and beauty of your creativity. I have watched my sister Janet (Mama Lulu) do great things with her hands and each time I am awed by her creativity. We did come from the same parents but she got her own set of gifts and talents that I ain’t got. I think she should showcase her work, perhaps set up a website or youtube channel and share her beautiful creations with the rest of the world. I will leave you with the words of a renown American motivational speaker, author, former radio DJ, and former television host to ponder over:
Great read. Very rich insight