I went out this morning eager to see how high the water was, as we are experiencing "king tides" today and tomorrow. This natural font is completely covered by the ocean. I took this picture yesterday at low tide as I was exploring the tide pools. It always amazes me how much there is to see. Things that do not derive their worth from being seen and admired but simply from being, whether they are seen and admired or not.
Which is a good thing, because this morning they definitely cannot be seen, under the churning waters. There is lots that can be seen, though. Within 5 minutes of arriving at the shore I had seen dolphins, otters, cormorants, pelicans, turkey vultures, seagulls, and a herd of deer. The abundance was overwhelming; I didn't know where to look! And when I looked up I saw this beauty, right alongside the path.
The abundance brought to mind Canticle 12 from the order for Morning Prayer, a Song of Creation:
Let the earth glorify the Lord,
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth,
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams,
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord,
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild,
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord,
sing praise and give honor for ever.
All we can do is wonder in awe at the glories of creation. Which is why, every chance I get, I stop by the font by the sea, dip my finger in its holy water, give thanks, and remember that I, too, am God's own, beloved simply for being.
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