Shore Leave

 

hatposter

That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. And He spoke many things to them... - Matthew 13:1-2

Sometime (O-dark thirty) on Monday morning my family will be leaving for a one-week sojourn to Cape Hatteras, NC. As we settle in the beach house after a twelve-hour drive, we will be at our favorite place on the planet. It will be a bittersweet adventure, as it is the first time we will be there since my father-in-law passed away last October.

Still, the unwinding will begin and the ocean breeze will start to slough off the remains of the day. The smell of salt in the air, the warmth on our skin and the seafood…all contribute to the beach bum mentality that we love. I can wait to savor hushpuppies and my first Apple Ugly (Think Apple Fritter on steroids) in over two years. Yet, I yearn for something much deeper than those Hatteras treats.

And He spoke many things to them...

The Father uses the ocean to speak to me and that is what I’m really going for. I enjoy all that other stuff but I long for a special connection to God that happens when I am by the sea.

The ocean waves have this effect on me and I feel cleansed and renewed. The wind is strong at Hatteras and some days it whips the sand up furiously, sandblasting you in the process. Even then, there is something spiritual happening and the metaphor of gunk stripping away becomes all too real.

I’m not sure of how much attention my blog will get during these next week but my heart will be getting plenty.

In and for Him,
Jay

Comments

Rick Dawson said…
Without renewal, you have nothing new to give. Vaya con Dios :)
Frank Friedl said…
Enjoy the break and time with your family. Your blog will still be here when you get back.
floyd said…
I'm with you, Jay. It seems to be a little easier to grasp our Father's majesty standing by His oceans... I'm praying for you and your family. Enjoy His gifts, brother.
jasonS said…
We need those relaxing times, quieting times. They help us to hear the things God has been speaking, but we missed because we were too busy to notice. Blessings on your trip, Jay. Hope it's an amazing time in all regards.
Michael said…
Here's to the sandblasting of hearts so that there is no barrier between ours and Father's. Grace and peace in abundance to the entire Cookingham clan!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Michael...it was "shorely needed"!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Jason...we had a great time!
Jay Cookingham said…
Frank...you were right! Thanks bro'!
Bill (cycleguy) said…
Hope you had a good time jay. I miss Google Reader since Feedly never told me this was in. Sorry I missed commenting.
Jay Cookingham said…
We did bro'...I love the ocean and we had perfect weather to enjoy it all. Thanks Bill!
Joanne Norton said…
Would love to be there with you and yours. Haven't spent almost any time at all on the east coast, but have heard much and read much in the past re: the coast you are describing. Hope your time was/is a blessing... around and about with/for everyone.
Jay Cookingham said…
The Outer Banks is something very special to us all...appreciate the well wishes!

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