“…the inland soul to sea…”

Exultation is the going
Of an inland soul to sea,
Past the houses—past the headlands—
Into deep Eternity—

Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?

-Emily Dickinson

With the surf pounding beside us, my daughter and I walked the beach this afternoon. My lungs appreciate deep breaths of salty sea air. My heart and soul appreciate the gift of the sea. Emily Dickinson had it right. For this inland soul anyway, going to the ocean is cause for deep joy.

I remember the first time I experienced the ocean. I had finished freshman year at college. My parents, my sister, brother, and I took a trip to the East Coast. Though Mother’s family was from Massachusetts, we had never been. I’m not sure what beach we visited first, but I will never forget the moment. Sounds of pounding waves were the first hint of the immensity of what lay ahead. Then, walking beyond the dunes, I saw it. I was overwhelmed with its beauty. Its energy and power. Surely, this was holy ground.

I have never recovered.

The gift. The wonder of the ocean bless me at every encounter. As I stood still today and let the cold, foamy water wrap around my legs and move the sand under my feet, I gave thanks. Being here is a privilege. Many will never see this. While I stand watching pelicans and seagulls, somewhere people are hungry or wondering where they will spend the night.

This is pure gift. Re-creating my soul, refreshing my spirit. Time with my daughter. Time by the sea. Grace is given to be given away again. I pray I will be generous with the grace I bring home.