Just yesterday when I walked this beach, the sand was perfect for walking. Firm enough not to fight for your balance, but soft enough not to be hard on your feet. But today when I came back, it was a completely different story. The sand was matted with a layer of broken shells that made walking unpleasant, to say the least. I skirted the edge of the shells, halfway looking for an unbroken shell and only successfully finding 5 among the millions.
How could it be so different when only one day has passed?
Storms at sea. I vaguely remember the weather forecast from TV last night. But I realize this is the reason. The storms at sea have stirred everything up and have washed the shells in with the tide. Also, the dozens of dead jellyfish that lay scattered on the beach.
In some ways, it feels tragic. In other ways, it just feels like the circle of life.
And life does go on…
When I finally found a bit of sand that I could walk on, I stood and let the water lap up at my feet. And I watched the phenomenon that as a kid seemed like magic to me. I stand still, but the water comes and licks my feet, and I sink deeper and deeper into the sand. Again, my mind wanders back to the circle of life… How I have to keep moving so that I don’t sink. Life is change and standing still doesn’t really work.
And suddenly, it’s okay that my feet hurt and it’s okay that I have to keep moving to keep from sinking and it’s okay that I have to be careful to dodge the jellyfish and not get stung… I just want to see what’s further down the beach.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll wake up in my parents’ house in North Carolina and by bedtime, I’ll be nearly a half-dozen states away. By the end of the week, I’ll be “at home” on a new coast, all the way across the country from the place I’ve always called “home.”
It’s been a crazy journey, these four months since I made the decision to move. Some days, the way was soft, some days hard, and some days, I cried from the cuts on my feet. And I know that life will continue to be this way and I will wake up each day, not knowing what’s ahead of me. There will be storms out at sea and I’ll have to dodge the stinging jellyfish in my life. But if I don’t move on, I’ll sink. Life is change and standing still doesn’t work. So, I’ll keep moving…
I can’t wait to see what’s further down the beach.
About Sarah Salter
We look forward to seeing what’s further down the beach with you – beautifully written post!
I’m always amazed by how different the beach is one day to the next, and even year to year. Very nice post, Sarah – and safe travels, this week and beyond. Have you read Gift of the Sea? It’s one of those books I read every time I move, it seems (which means it’s been a while!) 🙂
Kerri, I’m grateful that you all will be walking the beach with me! I can’t imagine a better group of traveling partners! 🙂
Thank you, Margo! And no! I haven’t read that book! Who’s the author?
Beautiful words, Sarah, as usual. Love you, Sweet Sarah. Praying for your journey.
Thank you, JoMama! I love you, too! And hugely appreciate the prayers! (You’re on my to-call list!) 🙂
Praying for you!
This is a beautifully written post. 🙂
Thanks, DS! Nice to see ya around my neighborhood! 🙂
We never know what’s around the corner- just got to keep moving to find out!
TC, that’s completely right! 🙂
Praying for you as you travel to your new life and new home. You will find new beaches in the west coast. God bless you sister Sarah
Your words are always refreshing to me!!! Hugs for the rest of the journey! <3
Beautifully written, very deep. I like that you write about yourself, but it is deeper than just relating your adventures. I look forward to reading more. Congratulations Sarah!!!