BARRIER ISLANDS

Walking on the beach at Hilton Head renews my soul and places me in the arms of God. This walk has been a part of my routine for more than 30 years. The beauty of God’s creation is evident everywhere – the birds flying in air, the sand supporting my feet, the boats floating on the horizon, the waves washing the beach and the grasses protecting the shore.

Each day there may be a difference in the temperature caressing my skin, the shells displayed at my feet, the visibility spreading clearly to other islands or just offshore, the tide hiding the sand or presenting a surface decorated by tide pools, the birds filling the air or walking along the beach, and porpoises magically appearing alone or in groups.

The grace and beauty of the brown pelicans takes my breath away. Many times they fly single file, their wings rhythmically going up and down, gliding over the water and casting a reflection. Then as dive bombers they swiftly nose down to catch a fish at just the right moment. The pelicans are almost always there, but the porpoises seem like a special gift when they rise from the water.

This particular morning I saw the fog as I walked toward the beach – poor visibility. As I looked out over the water, I could not see Tybee Island or Daufuskee Island. The barely discernible movement in the sky was the flight of my beloved pelicans. The fog that stood between us was a physical barrier to my vision. As I thought about barriers, I thought about the barriers that separate me from God and keep me from seeing clearly. How many times have value judging, pain, disappointment, loss and grief led to a selfishness that hindered me from seeing God’s face?

As the beach turned to the right, I was amazed to see the fog had lifted. There was a clear view of Hilton Head’s Harbor Town lighthouse. Now I could see the pelicans flying so gracefully over the water, and shortly a porpoise appeared. This vision felt like a gift from God. It seemed like God’s light was shining out of that lighthouse, dissipating the fog and clearing his creation to bring us closer to him. God’s light and unconditional love are always there to help us discern what we are called to do and lead us ever closer to him.

Dear Lord, your light spreads healing love and clarity to all of creation. Help me to turn toward your face in times of joy and challenge to hear your will.

— Carole Yoho

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist