The Beauty of Waves

(To listen as you read)

In light of people returning to school, going to new schools, not going back to school but doing something new and different, and transitioning in innumerable ways, I have turned my thoughts to waves, particularly wave energy.

All photos from Hawaii December 2009

In an episode of their illustrious podcast, Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant consider the question “Can Oceans Power the World?” (episode 1/20/11)  Clearly the ocean is very powerful and full of natural energy, and while there are many interesting ways humans have learned to harness that power, some of the most basic elements of the ocean, waves and tides, have become incredibly relevant to my life lately.

Waves, to be distinguished from tides, are the movement of the water propelled by the wind.  They rise to a crest and fall to a trough, often moving in toward land.  The power of waves is all too evident when trying to surf (or body surf) on any beach-based summer vacation.  This wave movement naturally flows with tidal change, which is propelled by the moon, and modulates throughout the day reaching 2 highs and 2 lows.

So, in the ocean, we have this constant movement in and out, up and down on smaller and larger levels.  It is movement that is enacted by higher powers of wind and moon, but that contains its own power as it reacts to the initial engagement, rushing in and flowing out. 

Even this mechanical overview, not including the glassy blue sheen or the refreshing scents or constant soothing sounds, reveals the incredible beauty of this mass of moving water.

I have been thinking about this a lot as I have been preparing the past week to conclude my term as interim youth director at the church where I have been working this summer.  I am transitioning into an intern role at the same church for the school year as a new, full-time youth director takes over.  Although this summer has proved to be the most stable and consistent in my life in the past several years, this “small” change has caught me off guard. 

I have experienced the highs of God pulling me closer to Himself through this opportunity of serving and loving youth (as well as the lows that naturally accompany this movement), and the thrill of rushing powerfully on, fueled by the wind of the Spirit. 

But the wave of this opportunity is quickly coming to an end.  I will soon have ridden it out and it will return to the depths of the endless ocean.

But the truly beautiful thing about the ocean is that the waves are only momentary expressions of something bigger.  I can trust that while this specific wave of service that I have expressed is ending and a new wave is coming in for the youth at the church, the water will always be constant.  The moon will always draw that well of life upward and the wind will always blow it in with just the right timing to continue the rhythmic dance.

And in the midst of this changing of the tides, I hope that the grace of the moon and wind will be magnified in the energy of the change.  For it is only in the change of waves and tides that energy can be harnessed from the ocean.  As we respond to the way God is moving in our lives, we produce effective energy.  And as we discern how God is moving us in these new ways, I hope that we can be propelled by the energy of which we are a part.

Transition is scary and we lose something that has been a part of us, even if only for a short amount of time.  But as I hit the shore and am drug back out to sea, I know that I’m blessed to be a part of the beauty and power of the ocean and that I can participate in many ways in its unending dance.

Ultimately, I am confident that the ocean of God’s love will never stand still and I am thankful to get to stay in the same bay to continue to be a part of the life of the church, albeit while riding a different wave.  And there's always the excitement of watching for the next crest.