Changing Tides, Changing Times

 

During the week that Al and I were in California, we took a zig-zag path down the state, first driving east from the Sacramento airport to Placerville for a beautiful outdoor wedding. In addition to attending the wedding and reconnecting with family and friends while we were in the state, we wanted to visit some of our favorite places, including the mountains and the coast.

            From Placerville, our route went through Stockton to Yosemite National Park for a brief visit where we enjoyed the scenery and relived many great times from the past. Then we drove west again, this time to San Simeon on the Pacific Ocean.

We arrived there as the sun was setting and sat on a bench soaking in the beauty and tranquility. Sea birds flew over the water, some in long lines fishing for a last bite to eat. Occasionally one would dive headfirst into the water, creating a splash and others would follow suit. The sound of the waves rolling up onto the beach was enough to cause us to have a good night’s sleep before resuming our journey.

 It was windy the next morning when we followed the coastline south to Morro Bay where we pulled into the parking lot of  Morro Rock, a state landmark and bird sanctuary. We always liked that spot, watching the waves crash over the boulders near the base of the massive volcanic rock.

That morning several surfers waited farther out on the water for just the right wave to come along. Some of them propelled their boards through the waves to the spot where the others were waiting by holding on tight and going head on into the waves as they crested. Occasionally someone would disappear and all that could be seen was the top half of his surfboard sticking straight up in the air! It took just the right timing!

We were rewarded with some great exhibitions of maneuvering as a couple of them managed to catch a wave at the right moment and ride it for a short distance before dropping down to the board, turning around and paddling back out.

When our neighbor, Jim, learned that we were going out to California for a week, he asked if I was going surfing! I had to laugh at the thought of it. I only tried it one time, but had difficulty staying on the slippery board long enough to paddle, let alone stand up!

It was fun watching others try their hand at surfing that morning.  Those that succeeded had my great admiration. I didn’t have any desire to even put a toe into that cold water!

Our time at the coast was over too soon—my sister was expecting us for dinner at their Bakersfield home around 5:00. So, once more we hopped in the rental car and drove east to Bakersfield, where a delicious meal of soup and cornbread was waiting.

For the next two and a half days, Al and I had a wonderful time seeing family and friends. Lots of good food too! It just wasn’t long enough though.

How could we possibly have spent time with all of the people we had come to know and love during the years? I was born and raised in California; and Al, who moved west from Michigan for a teaching job in 1972, also considered it his home.

Neither one of us would have predicted that we’d be moving in our seventies to a place about 10 miles from where he grew up! We had to say “good-bye” to many folks who were dear to our hearts, not knowing if we would see them again.

 Like the tide, life changes. Sometimes those changes are easy; but often they are drastic, requiring time to adjust and even grieve for all that was left behind.

Lord, help us when things change. Hold us steady and carry us when times get rough. Thank you for your love, mercy and grace to face the future. We love you! In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.

  “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

   By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

   Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I     will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”  (Psalm 42: 7,8,11 NIV)