After the Wave

If you’re a frequent beach-goer, then you probably enjoy the predictability of fun in the sand, sun, and water. I anticipated all those things when we visited the beach, but we experienced something else, too.

We positioned chairs about twenty yards from the water’s edge and relaxed in the light breeze, mesmerized by the lapping waves. The day melted way like that until about four o’clock when I noticed water inching up the beach, chasing off everyone in its path. It sneaked closer and closer until it puddled within two feet of our chairs. Although we’ve spent afternoons at the beach before, the ocean has never reached out to greet us. Watch what this water does:   

                                         https://youtu.be/d3vvs_XBMqQ

While a storm is predictable, its impact is not. If you’re a student, teacher or parent, you know—like last year—the school year will begin again. But we never knows the types of changes the year will bring. What’s the one thing that will never change?     

Where You Are

Summer weather usually propels us toward pools. When the temperatures rose this week, our family visited a water park. Since I’m not a fan of pools, you’ll understand how uncomfortable I felt when you read what happened next. While waiting for the next fake wave to wash over us, a thin slice of banana floated past. Why? We were disturbed and confused. People notice when something or someone’s out of place. Watch these reactions: 

                                         https://youtu.be/TrON1jkvfBQ    

 Don’t the video’s bystanders look bewildered? If you’re familiar with the city, you expect to see all levels of wealth and poverty. The only out of place situation is when opposite ends of the spectrum merge right before your eyes. For some reason, people like to dictate who’s out of place. Where do you feel most comfortable?

May We All Know

We’ve been naughty. During the past several months, I’m certain we’ve discarded  enough plastic water bottles to build an additional room on our house. Barring the instability and lack of privacy, imagine how pretty it would look with the sun reflecting through the plastic walls. I don’t know who thought of bottling and selling water, but they’re earning a fortune and creating an environmental mess. Check out the creative clean-up:    

                                     https://youtu.be/El6AU3riRI8 

This guy’s taking proverbial lemons and making lemonade, going above and beyond what you would think you could do with a water bottle. Still, despite the awesome ways  people can minimize the impact of plastic bottle on the environment, we need to reduce their usage. The end doesn’t always justify the means. What have you done that ended well, yet in hindsight, you know you shouldn’t have “gone there” in the first place?

Waiting for Cold Water

The waters at Hilton Head beach felt as warm as ocean temperatures should ever get. In fact, it’s difficult to imagine a more comfortable time in the water, but I wonder if the aquatic life felt the same way. Placed on a spectrum, ocean waters will feel cold, cool or warm, and looking at whatever skews toward the end of the spectrum is always interesting, like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/raMILbHdhZs

Although standing knee-deep in ultra-warm water with the sound of waves lapping the shore is enough to lull me into dreamland, it’s not an ideal sleeping situation. Some things feel good, but are bad for us while things that we don’t enjoy may be highly beneficial. It takes courage to admit that we’re in a negative space. When have you disliked where you were and what helped you move past it?              

Controlling the Country

Wind and rain are two of our most powerful elements. Based on past hurricane seasons, we’re familiar with the destruction they cause. Scientists discover and invent so many incredible things, why can’t they control the weather? Maybe they can. See: https://www.intellihub.com/dr-michio-kaku-admits-government-weather-control-cbs-news/

For a fee, one company offers weather–modifications, claiming to give you clear weather. Cloud-seeding enables them to cause rain the day before your special outdoor event, leaving you with sunny skies the next day for a wedding ceremony or company golf outing. We’re closer to manipulating the weather than ever, and we’re making progress in other areas, too. Take a look:  

                                         https://youtu.be/wMkorx3GzGM

Fascinating, huh? Oh sure, those experimental findings seem beneficial—until scientists use their powers for evil. Some of our greatest books describe what happens when others control what we think, believe, and how we behave. If you had mind-controlling powers, what thought would you implant in everybody’s mind?