Skipping Stones, Missing Point

Today, I learnt a major life lesson while walking along the beaches of Gold Coast, Australia.

Justin and I took a 45min drive down from Brisbane to visit the Ozzy beaches. Upon arrival, I look a few minutes to let the reality of it all sink in. Ever since my kayaking days, I love the ocean and its waves. But up till today, I have never seen such raging yet majestic waves crashing onto the beautiful shores in real life. I found my self in awe of its power as though I was under some sort of hypnotic trance. I approached it fearfully, and at the feet of its waves, I found my next source of delight: skipping stones.

For the next 2 hours or so, I found myself combing across the beach to find these round and flat stones for me to toss. I kept my focus on the ground; quick to spot the ideal shapes and careful to avoid the menacing jelly fishes.

Time always flies when you enjoy yourself. Before I knew it, it was time to go, I skipped my last few stones, and begin to head back to the car. Only then, I realized. In my eagerness to skip those stone, I completely missed the whole point.

I was too caught up in the minor things, I overlooked the sole thing that counts; the ocean.

Even when it’s one of those few things that is capable of tugging my heart strings.

I stared at the waves once again, trying to lengthen whatever time I had remaining, then finally… I left.

Don’t we do this to God and with our lives ever so often?

 

~ by Zachary on March 20, 2008.