Light on the Sea

2nd morning

Recently my family headed to Topsail Island for a week of R&R. Nearly every morning The  Mister and the kids slept in, as one is supposed to do on restful beachy vacations, but I just couldn't do it. My heart and mind were set on the sunrise way before the break of day. It was futile to lie in bed and miss it.

3rd Morning

Wrapped in a blanket and clutching a warm mug, I would anticipated the glorious picture soon to be painted across the water. I was like a kid on Christmas morning, bleary eyed, but ready.  Often I was the only one outside, and I wondered: Do people know what they are missing? Why am I the only one out here?

5th morning

Each dusky dawn brought forth a show of wonder and glory... a new gift of mercy, for needy folk like me.

But on April 25, I received two gifts: one in the morning, and one in the night.

That week happened to be the week of the New Moon. I knew the moon on the water would probably be amazing. I was really looking forward to nighttime on the surf. 

When the sun set I was surprised I didn't see the pale moon face in the clear sky. It got very dark with no moon in sight. By 9:00p it was pitch black outside, I could barely see the surf just yards away from our deck. This wasn't what I was anticipating. A quick Google search informed me that the moon would rise at 9:08p. In all the sunrises I've eagerly waited for, I had never seen the moon rise over the sea!  My sweet family often entertains my crazy love and excitement for God's display of beauty through nature. So when I asked them to watch it with me, they happily threw on sweatshirts and blankets and headed out to see what would happen. 

We were not disappointed. 

It was awesome-- at first it was a tiny red sliver clinging to the horizon, but soon the moon was full, the colors of fire. It looked as if you could reach out, with just a little bit of stretch, and hold it.

Within minutes her color changed and she was radiant and bright, reflecting on the water. We watched until we all shivered in the cold air.

I took this picture after 10pm while standing at the kitchen sink. If my son (you can see him texting on the couch below) hadn't laid claim to that spot for his bed, I would have slept there. Can you imagine falling asleep with moonlight on the sea? Wonder full.

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done,

the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;

Were I to speak and tell of your deeds,

They would be too many to declare.

~Psalm 40:5