Alone by the Water's Edge by Karen Ruhl

Alone By The Water’s Edge by Karen Ruhl

During the winter of 2017, we visited the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We were just below Buxton and stopped to look at Pamlico Sound. Only a small stretch of land separates this island from the sound on one side and the ocean on the other. We were looking out over the sound, enjoying the view. I took a walk, crossed the highway, climbed the stairs over the sand dunes, and was on a magnificent stretch of beach. As I walked along the beach, I started picking up bits of shells and sea worn rocks. I was taking photos, enjoying the sunshine and ocean, and was in my element.

It was a perfect temperature for walking on the beach. I continued to pick up small rocks and shells, stopped to take pictures, and all of a sudden, I realized there were no people around. I was totally alone. The beach was empty as far as I could see in each direction - miles of empty beach.

I remember talking out loud and thanking God for the blessing of visiting this area and for a beautiful day to explore the Outer Banks. I thanked Him for the ocean and then I remembered a verse I love.

Genesis 1:9-10 tells us that God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

And it is so good. God is amazing. When He created the ocean, He said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’

Oh, what a great and powerful God we serve. Amen!