“B”eaches are music to my ears

Seal Beach © 2014 by Diane Weidenbenner

Beaches are an incredible gift of nature. There is nothing like them in the world. The sound of the waves, the horizon as backdrop to the ocean that spills onto the beach. The sound of the waves is so calming and centering.

Each year I attend a trade show for work in Los Angeles. For the past two years, after the hustle and bustle of three long days greeting people at our booth, I’ve slipped down to the beach to unwind.

I enjoy talking to hundreds of people (out of the 28,000 attendees) about the organization that I represent. While it’s high-energy work, it’s also encouraging to talk with others about our shared faith journeys.

I’ve made a few friends that I see each year and it’s nice to reconnect. Most days I’m not able to dial my smile and personality down until after 6 p.m. Then I answer emails and do computer work each night.

Seal Beach © 2014 by Diane Weidenbenner

This year I took sandals and crop pants so I could put my feet in the water. I drove to Seal Beach on Sunday evening.

Families were at the beach, making sand castles or walking their dogs or playing in the water. Walking on the shifting sand used leg and foot muscles I didn’t know I had, in order to stay balanced. The dry sand led to cool, wet sand and to the waves coming into shore. Each time the waves left the sand, they deposited abandoned sea shells, fish bones, rocks and other treasures. Each item made its impression in the wet sand. Metal flecks in the sand reflected rays of the descending sun.

Seal Beach © 2014 by Diane Weidenbenner

The sound and comfort of the ocean reminds me of the way music feeds my heart and soul. Both have a rhythm and beauty that speaks of peace and joy and love.

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