The image above captures the tracks of the many turtles who climbed from their nest on North Topsail Beach tonight and made their way into the Atlantic--which was in a slow-moving, welcoming mood tonight even if she kept herself at a distance. 

Adella and I came to the nest for a third time to be just in time to help these little reptiles stay on the ramp that led them to the water. We were among about 25 people who were there for the same reason, and we followed the directions of the Turtle Project people to stay still and be helpful as necessary and to refrain from flash photography.

The first time Adella and I shared in this amazing affirmation of life, we were giddy with delight.  Tonight was different.  Kneeling under those stars, guiding turtles without actually touching them, sharing space with complete strangers who, like us, just wanted to be there and to do a good thing if we could, we realized just how small we are.  The world is as beautiful as it is big.  For all that, though, there isn't any room for ego.

On our knees, we waited for the turtles.  

May we remember when we are at the beach to throw away our trash, take home our toys, fill the stupid holes we dig to create playpens for our children, take down our umbrellas and awnings, and say thank you to the spirit that brought us there in the first place.  

Life is big.  Life is beautiful.  We are small.  May we ever be on our knees waiting for turtles.