We sat on the deck, my husband and I, staring out at the water. The ocean was vast, spanning as far as the eye could see in any direction. We were silenced each day by the mere sight, often sitting in the hush, talking softly as if our voices would disturb the grandeur before us.
Some waves were bigger swells than others. They varied in the way they reflected the sunlight. At times, they splashed sending a mist into the air. Others were so small they could almost escape being noticed at all.
The number of waves seen in a single moment are unable to be counted. Yet each one was needed, necessary even, to form the expanse before our eyes.
In the middle of a terrible storm, Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves. And the response of the disciples that day?
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?, they asked. “Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27, NLT)
The storm had dared these disciples to trust Jesus and entrust their safety to him. The authority Jesus displayed helped them to understand the scope of His power over even the weather and the sea. The elements recognized the voice of the very One who had created them.
And with great relief that the storm was stilled, they had learned – They could trust Him a little bit more. Their faith grew.
That day as we sat staring at the movement of waves, I began to ponder aloud:
- Are any two waves exactly the same? Or are they like snowflakes, no two alike?
- What happens to them after they crest? Do they “wave” again?
We laughed at the silliness of the questions and yet, once voiced, the questions made us think and discuss the possibilities of what occurs in the life of a wave.
And in us.
Our lives are much like those waves, one in the middle of many. We are each called to different tasks. Some grand. Some so small they could be easily missed.
Jesus sees, and has authority, over each one. None escapes Him. He is at work in our lives, empowering and energizing, as He knows best.
Our lives are much like the waves – they are just a ripple. When something has a ripple effect, it affects something else, which then affects other things. The effect continues on, further than one could ever expect.
Our lives – a ripple.
Let’s make our ripple count!
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman .
and what a good job with the effect/affect usage!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such a beautifully written article. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and pointing to Jesus. I pray my life makes an impact for Christ.
Heather, I am praying the same for us both. Grateful you stopped here!
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I was hoping to make it to the beach next week, but it’s not going to happen. I’ll just live through your words about the waves and ripples. 🙂 Watching and listening to the ocean is one of my favorite ways to connect with God. Thanks for sharing this, Joanne.