Life is Sailing

Have you ever seen dolphins surf? I had only seen them in videos on the computer. This morning I took a detour on my way home and swung by a beach. It had been a while since I had stoped by the wave struck sands. I parked my car in a lot behind some buildings, hesitant to go around the buildings. What if the beach was crowded? What if hardly anyone was there? Maybe I should make better use of my time and run some errands.

I began putting on my sunscreen, a small step to allow myself time to still drive away without commitment but also preparing to walk out there if I should so choose. A fisherman walked by, rolling his gear in a wagon. Deliverymen opened the heavy metal door of their trailer and began unloading goods for the stores. Then an older couple strolled by, hand in hand, pleasantly chatting on their way to enjoy a beach walk. “Okay,” I thought, “these are people like me. I am ready to discover what is on the beach this morning.

My slippered feet passed over the black asphalt, still cool from a night’s respite from the sun. I exited the parking lot, stepping into cool, soft white sand riddled with specks of grass and plants. Immediately my slippers came off my feet and I carried them lazily along the briefly winding sandy path. I love how different it is to walk on sand than on hard earth or asphalt. The shift beneath my hips, prompting an extra engagement for all of my muscles and joints. As I walked by a pier, my eyes constantly glanced from ocean horizon to the ground by my feet so as to avoid any surprise fish hook or other sharp object ending my lovely morning.

Whenever I go to the ocean, I naturally scan the horizon for any unusual movement in the waters. Today my search instantly spotted a dark fin not too far from shore. Then a couple more fins appeared in the foam of the waves. Wave upon wave crested and surged forward in energizing barrel formations. Within the barrel I saw four dolphins… surfing the wave! They rode the waves for pleasure, for fun. Even from a distance, I could sense the enjoyment of these animals.

After several minutes of communing with these magnificent, playful creatures, I meandered under a pier to watch more waterplay on the other side. There were about ten people surfing with long boards and short boards, catching some well-formed waves conveniently close to the shore. Hang loose was the vibe, good ole’ surfing fun.

It was a day for playing in God’s nature. Dolphins played, people played, even the birds were having fun chasing fish or running on the beach. The day concluded with a gorgeous sunset. I would be happy if all days were like today. For now, I will treasure getting to share in a dolphin’s play in the surf.