In celebration of Eliza's 8th grade promotion, (as well as the one and only time she will participate in track) she, Rachel Larsen, Grandma and myself took a trip to the beach. We drove over on Thursday to Tacoma where we had a yummy Thai dinner, a swim in the hotel and a cozy evening doing nails and reading. We drove to Seaside on Friday morning and spent the rainy day exploring the town and enjoying the beach. That evening we did a bit of shopping and spent the evening tucked into our cozy bungalow. I love a stormy day at the coast. Both Friday and Saturday I had the indulgence of two long runs on the beach. I loved that time to pray and ask for revelation. As usual I was answered with a gospel analogy, from the sea. I saw a rock several miles down the beach and decided that was my goal point. About a mile in, I came to a stream. I ran all along the banks looking for a way to pass. I climbed on the rocks, looked for a narrow spot to jump and even tried wading across. There was simply no way to cross. So I headed back. I had given it my best effort and had been willing to be uncomfortable, but the tide prevented my crossing. I guess sometimes in life, particularly now, I cannot reach my goal. I will have to wait for the tides to change. My efforts alone won't make my desires happen. I have to wait for a change in the tide. I also ran among hundreds of broken shells, particularly sand dollars. I kind of pled with heavenly Father to show me that not everything was broken. I turned around and found a perfect sand dollar. I have to remember that the Savior's Atonement is always whole, never broken and always perfect. Those are my lessons from the sea.
