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?     

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?              

After the Plunge

Believe it or not, we’re winding down on the remaining weeks of winter, and in these parts, it hasn’t been that cold. Oh sure, the polar vortex visited, but only for a day or two. In fact, the last time it blew through those of us who like to take a dip in the ocean on a cold winter day did so. And, that amazes me because I get chilled during a summer breeze, so I can’t imagine doing the Polar Bear Plunge. Although this winter dip usually raises money for charity, it sounds like torture to me. Last week when they took the Plunge, I heard the barely bearable cold required that extra emergency staff be on hand. That’s one way to experience total body frostbite. Weird things happen in the cold. Like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/wsDvFMVU0hc

Unexpected storms stop people in their tracks. We had a moderate squall blow through last week, and I ended up cancelling my travel plans. It’s one thing to prepare when you know a storm is coming, but it’s another thing to get caught right in the middle of one without forewarning or protection. The storms of life come in all shapes and sizes, with some lasting longer than others, but eventually, we get through them. What kind of “spring” (benefit) have you experienced on the other side of your biggest storm?      

An Awesome Wave

I learned something last week. I attended a school basketball game and discovered that one person can make an awesome wave. No kidding. The key lies in the arms and the hands. When you move them gracefully, in slow motion, you get the perfect effect. When three more kids joined the line, that wave celebration was as good as a crowd wave of fifty-thousand spectators in a sports arena. A good wave feels like a warm hug or a big high-five. Most people enjoy giving or getting a compliment. If you compel people to pay tribute for a great feat, will it still be heartfelt? Take a look and a listen:

                                             http://youtu.be/W9j4Gi0lbR4

The best waves aren’t experiments, but contagious celebrations honoring someone who did well. In our media-driven culture where we criticize every outfit, haircut, and relationship, let’s triple the amount of compliments we give.  Who doesn’t enjoy a little praise? In your opinion, who deserves an awesome wave?

Not A Beach Week

This past week wasn’t one to spend at the beach. Gray skies, cool temperatures and on-off rain made it feel more like autumn. Some people will go to the beach in any kind of weather. They’ll visit the ocean on sunny days, wintry ones or right in the middle of a storm. The ocean does have a certain attraction when the wind blows and turbulent waves pound the shore. We’re mesmerized by enormous bodies of water. Notice how we’re always asking, “How deep is it?” The ocean’s depths hold astonishing finds; you never know what you’ll discover down there. Listen and look at this:    

                                              http://youtu.be/YVvn8dpSAt0     

If I were a fish in the deep and saw those pulsating lights, instead of taking cover, I’d never stop staring and end up as dinner. Do you remember playing Hide-N-Seek and hiding out in the open, hoping that you’d blend into your surroundings? Remember how that never worked? Octopuses make disappearing look easy. Our oceans are full of amazing creatures and their and mind-boggling abilities. What draws you to the beach?