Ever notice how sound machines always have the sounds of ocean waves, or running river water, or birds chirping, or anything that has to do with nature? These sounds are designed to get us relaxed and feeling at peace, but do you ever stop to wonder and question why these sounds get us to feel a certain way?
My most favorite trip that I have ever taken was to the island of Oahu back in 2012. My husband and I would wake up at 5am, eat breakfast, and venture out on the most amazing hikes.
These hikes were all-day events and not one of them had clear cut directions. I had to rely solely on tips from Yelp users to map out our journey. While hiking Maunawili Falls, the peaks at Olomana, and the Ka’au Crater; we got lost several times, we were knee-deep in mud, and despite the use of repellent, we were bit by very hungry mosquitoes.
But if you ask me today what my favorite trip was, I will smile and say this one, while reminiscing on the true beauty of Oahu. My parents love to call me ‘Island Girl,’ because of my love of the islands back on our past trips. But why fly all the way to the Hawaiian Islands, to experience this beauty, when you can just step out your front door?
I was living in La Jolla this summer and my favorite thing to do was walk down to the beach, just before sunset, and take in the beautiful view.
I would look around and see the many visitors in awe, just watching the sun’s fleeting backdrop on the Pacific Ocean. Even the surfers would take the time to watch the sun go down. And no one was looking down at their phones, unless it was to take a picture of the sunset. Everyone was just astounded by how gorgeous these sunsets were.
I would turn to my husband and say, “This never gets old!”
An event that happens every single day, but how often do we get the chance to thoroughly soak it all in?
There is something about being so close to the water that really changes people. What is it about nature that has so many people captivated?
And how often do we get the chance to really be one with nature? No phones, no distractions, not one worry, but only to wonder on what captivating thing God will reveal to us next.
When I moved to Point Loma, I was forced a bit to come out of my shell because there were so many friendly people that would come by, close to my home, to enjoy the beauty of the bay. I’ve always been shy, and frankly, quite nervous to speak to new people.
I would think to myself:
“Gosh, I hope I don’t screw this interaction up”
“I hope I don’t fumble over my words while trying to get my thoughts out”
“I hope they can’t sense I am a nervous wreck while talking to them”
But slowly and surely, I began to understand that each person you meet has a true inner beauty that is yet to be unveiled to you.
An easy conversation start was just collectively saying what an amazing sight is right in front of us. Just a few individuals enjoying the work of their Creator.
I was no longer scared to speak to new people. I mean, it is very rare that you will meet someone, who is out enjoying nature, that is anything but pleasant.
A couple months ago I met Lee. Lee was out with his two beautiful boys; raft and snorkel gear in tow, with super soakers in hand.
He told me that a month prior he came out with his boys and they buried their treasure in the water, marked its location with certain landmarks, and they’ve returned to recapture it, on their “Navy SEAL mission.”
I said to him, “Wow! It’s like your own personal geocache!”
I thought to myself, what an amazing bonding experience with your kids. What child would not want to embark on an adventure like this with their parent. How amazing to utilize God’s given beauty and make ‘treasured’ memories with your child.
I asked Lee if he had any more ideas for adventure, because I loved what he was doing with his boys.
He told me that he actually authored a book called Bored Games which has fun and creative activities to do with your children, without the use of electronics.
I thought, “Wow this guys gets it! To be really involved with your children, being out in nature, and creating memories that will last a life time, is true happiness.”
I found out more about Lee when I went to purchase his book.
Could Lee’s time out on the water, as a surfer, been his fueling source behind his creative energy?
When you are out enjoying nature you are out enjoying God.
The energy I’ve got from paddle boarding while the sun rises is enough to make me skip my morning coffee! I’ve spent countless hours with my boys walking along the beach, picking up seashells to add to our collection, watching the birds fly by, or just soaking in the beauty of the bay breeze against our skin, while the sun beams down us.
You tap into God’s love for you and the beauties revealed are endless. You are relaxed and at peace, and it is then, that you can uncover what God’s plan is for you.
Like I said in my post, Back Again, when I was by the water I immediately turned to my husband to tell him that I was going to start writing again. I am very new to writing, and I am discovering how to explore what my God-given talents are, but I truly believe that I am meant to write, to hopefully bring others back to Christ.
So step out your front door, and enjoy the beauty that is at our finger tips. Again, God loves us through nature. So when we smile, taking in all the immense beauty of what He has blessed us with, that is when God is smiling right back at us.
God bless you all!
To learn more about Lee Silber, and purchase his books check out his website at www.leesilber.com
Vianca Joy 
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