My Hometown

One of the things I love about my hometown is the beach. Some days, when the wind blows right, you can smell the ocean in the air. I work at an open campus elementary school not far from the water. I often find myself strolling and lingering on the ramps taking in deep breaths of the salty air. They just feel so clean and refreshing. They're invigorating! During the Spring and Summer, as you drive over the Destin bridge, the water is crystal clear and the most glorious shades of blue and green. It's truly captivating along with the azure sky and brilliant white clouds! After admiring it for 20+ years, it is no less beautiful. It's almost as if I yearn and long to be a part of its beauty. I ache inside for it as I see the encroaching condos along the beach and the pretentious boats in the water. It posesses a beauty given to us and to it by the grace of God. Beauty that helps us understand our Heavenly Creator. Oh to be aware of the constant presence of the Almighty Father, the creator and artist of such things! The sunsets are yet another display of this awesome artistry. They never cease to inspire me. The shades of pink and purple and orange and green are incredible as they paint across the sky. Can your mind imagine them? Can it see them? If only I had the words to describe. As I stand on the boardwalk admiring nature around me, it's as if time stands still. My thoughts are still, I am truly at peace and in awe. It's a silent worship. And though the highway may be close by, there is no sound save the water lapping on the shore, the birds giving their song to the canvas, and the leaves from the live oak rustling in the breeze.