I walked the beach alone each evening while we were on vacation at Topsail Island, North Carolina. I walk every day, and I like to walk alone and take in what's around me. This is especially rewarding at the beach.

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The relentless, thundering surf drowns out every other sound. It is music enough.

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I enjoyed the patterns in the sand the water drew as it retreated from the shore. These patterns reminded me of the push and pull of the waves when I swam during the day. To work with these forces rather than fight them is a joyful, relaxing thing and sometimes a challenge. But always good.

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On my last day at the beach, I enjoyed these clouds--after my father and daughter pointed them out to me. At first I saw only the silver lining.

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Walking away, though, I saw an angel. As I walked, the angel spread across the sky, becoming very thin at the center until the sun fell through to light the evening one last time. "What is an angel?" I thought. A product of the imagination, maybe? A divine presence? Both? An abiding in all things beautiful? Yes.

It's all good--and it's wonderful to step out and see it.

Blog Your Blessings