Today’s Reflection
STANDING AT the water’s edge, I squint ino the bright sun and study the ocean as far as I can see. The sky and sea blur together at the horizon, both vast blankets of never-ending blue. As my eyes move closer to the shoreline, the water changes to turquoise with waves that tumble, pale frothy, onto the sand. Watching the surf is both mesmerizing and oddly reassuring—the uneven rush of water, waves that overlap one another, swells interrupted by the wake of a passing boat. One wave flows in; another recedes. Wave upon wave, the ocean rolls onto the sand.
The waves are like God’s glorious grace, rushing in again and again.
—Missy Buchanan
Beach Calling: A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond
From pages 34-35 of Beach Calling by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2019 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Can you recall a similar experience like that of Missy Buchanan in the reflection today? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
—John 1:16, ESV
Prayer for the Week
Like the waves of the ocean rolling onto the sand, may God’s glorious grace rush in to my heart and soul again and again. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something More
Happy 4th of July!
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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8 Comments
Nope, can’t say that I have. I enjoy the ocean and watching the waves and gazing at the way the ocean and the sky merge on the horizon, but the waves never represented God’s grace to me. I see them as somewhat ominous, one doesn’t know what lurks below or within and the waves can be gentle and then turn harsh and pull one under. Much as life is capricious and mercurial in its changes.
Prayers for Marcy, may she receive pain relief and prayers of gratitude to and for Mary for her care.
Prayers for Connie, may her health improve so she may celebrate her own good health.
Prayers for Betsy and her husband, may new house hunting be fruitful.
Prayers for Robert, may his new church receive him with open arms.
Prayers for Mary and her family for abundance and joy.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family
Thanks Julie!
Yes, I experienced God’s grace wave after wave when mum passed on, then dad. Although it was a difficult time, I know God’s grace is upon my family again and again. God provided for all our needs.
Thank you God for your amazing Grace!
Blessings!
I remember standing on a high balcony at a Myrtle Beach hotel and watching the dolphins leap up out of the waves. I would love to see the ocean again but have to be content with beautiful memories.
I am having lunch with my cousin from Wisconsin and very much looking forward to seeing her. We kind of revert to “teens”!
Have a great week.
I learned to swim in the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. The oldest of seven children. The beach was our entertainment! I was floating on my back. I meditated to the hypnotic rhythm of the ebb and flow of the waves. I spoke to Fod in prayers of Thanksgiving. Suddenly I was snapped back into my present situation as the tide changed. I was trained NO MATTER WHAT DO NOT PANIC! I wesnt to God asking for guidance. Suddenly I knew exactly what to do! I swam to a buoy rather than trying to swim to shore! I relaxed into God’s AMAZING grace! I waited out the riptide. Hand over hand I came to shore!
My first glimpse of the Grand Canyon took my breath away.
Had a great time at my new church. It’s an all inclusive UMC and I am delighted about that. Had communion!
Hopefully internet will be set up today. Have a Google expert son-in-law.
A warm sunny day, hope the weather is good on the 4th, strawberry shortcake, pulled pork sandwiches, a train ride, and fireworks are on the agenda.
I love the ocean. It is both powerful and peaceful at the same time. When my husband died I wanted to go sit by the ocean for a few days so that is what I did. I had to travel to do it because I lived in VT at the time. I did do it and it was very restorative.
Yes, the ocean – and Lake Superior (much closer) – remind me of God’s grace and infinite love. I have visually imagined me and my siblings standing apart from one another in the ocean, separate, but standing in the same ocean, connected by the water, the water being God’s love.
I have some new health issues that came to surface in a recent physical exam. It will be a mental adjustment as well as a physical challenge to make some necessary lifestyle changes. Time marches on.
My grandson will stay overnight with us on the 3rd, for the first time, while his parents celebrate their anniversary.
Prayers for dear UR friends and those for whom you pray, and for all who visit UR. Wishing all a blessed day.
I was very excited to order and receive my copy of this book. When it arrived, I flipped through it and then set it aside. I now know I will be taking it with me when I return to the ocean next month. I shake my head in amazement that I am returning to my favorite place for the third time in 8 months. Last winter break – I was realizing that mom was beginning to suffer again and it was such a therapeutic time – being there. It helped immensely that we had several warmer than usual days and we could actually sit on the ocean. I remember getting the call from my sister, following a visit at the oncologist office and I just paced back and forth on the nearly deserted beach. Then, then there with dad over spring break. It was such a raw, emotional time and also a crucial piece for both of our healing. We just walked and walked – and I believe, and sensed, that God was there with us, in our walks and talks and tears. Now, to realize I am going again – I think it will be very soothing – a capstone to the peace I have felt and continued to feel. And maybe an entryway into the new school year and settling in to a new normal. I sense God so strongly at the beach, not necessarily in the way Missy Buchanan states above – but definitely a nearness unlike other places.
Dad and I had a beautiful morning for golf…low humidity and beautiful blue sky. Grateful for our time together and continued conversation.
A meaningful meeting with my counselor this afternoon. It is good to speak truth.
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