When I was about 14, growing up on Miami Beach, my brother, some friends & I went to the beach on Collins Ave.
and 22nd St by Hotel Channin, a small boutique hotel, then owned by a friend’s family.
We had discovered that relatively close to shore there were sand dollars laying just under the sand,
the outline of their shapes visible, and it was easy to dive down and snatch them up.
They had no real value, but they were cool to look at!
We paddled out about 50 yards off the beach in about 10 feet of water with just two canvas rafts, masks, snorkels and flippers.
Unknown to us a hidden danger was working against us; the the tide was going out, and the rafts were not anchored to anything.
Every time we dove down, the rafts were a bit farther away from shore. After repeated dives in ever deepening water,
we finally turned around toward the beach, suddenly realizing how far away we had drifted from safety.
We could hardly see the shore at that point and the swim back was long and arduous.
We were “fortunate” that we did not drown, get caught in riptides,
or fall prey to one of the large variety of sharks or barracudas in those waters.
The Lord showed me how we at times could become like this:
Engrossed in chasing worthless things, material things we make into idols,
we might easily take our eyes off the One who is immovable,
who cannot be shaken- straying far from our First Love whom we took for granted.
So Beloved, never forget where Abundant Life is found -only in the Lover of our souls.
As you go about your day dwell on His goodness-His greatness-and thank Him continually.
Let praises for Him never cease be in your mouth.
Only He can satisfy.