Mind Full of Peace

By Dr. Kimberly Griffin

Walking at the edge of the ocean, where land meets sea. Looking out into the horizon, where sea meets sky. The lines blur. Stress dissipates. Thoughts left unbridled. The search begins.

Sandpipers and gulls huddle at the lowest tide. On their marks. Getting in position to outrun each other and the incoming tide. The tide rolls back and the race for the prized mollusks and crustaceans begins.

I find myself rooting for the sea osprey overhead who dives from the sky, talons first, in search of fresh fish. A group of synchronized brown pelicans saunter across the waves’ crests dancing in unison.

My eyes wander down to the powdery sand beneath my feet. Being mindful to keep my heart tethered to the beauty surrounding me.&

My heart skips cadence and my pace quickens when I see it. Peeking at me through a pile of treasureless oysters, cracked clamshells, smoothed pebbles, and spatchcocked coquinas—a glint of sky blue sea glass.

Vessels give and receive. Windows designed to view safely from or cautiously into. Glass broken and tossed. Edges smoothed with tumbling time. Reformed and rediscovered. History frosted in and by time. The symbolism is not lost on me.

I hold the mystery between my fingers. Acknowledging the curves and edges, I put it in my pocket. It clinks when I add it to my pocket full of beach treasures. The search continues.

Pocket full of sea finds. Mind full of peace.

God’s canvas of dunes, sea grasses and live oaks comes to life when the roaring waves roll in and then whisper in retreat. Followed by the cacophony of shells being pulled back to their home in the sea. Watching the sunset is like watching an artisan create the most beautiful painting on His canvas daily. Only to be erased by the star speckled sky and then repainted with each sunrise. Each day, a different creation. God’s masterpieces.

All photos courtesy of Kimberly Griffin.

This article appeared inBeachcombing Volume 36: May/June 2023.