The Fire

I’m going to share with you a story.   It is terribly uncomfortable and a bit humiliating, but my complete honesty is necessary in what God is teaching me today.   I really don't want you to feel sorry for me at all .   The story is simply an avenue to what might bolster the faith in my heart and yours. In my lifetime, I have seen want and plenty.   I have been both spoiled with all kinds of material things and financial blessings,  and I have also known what it’s like to have to sell plasma to buy groceries.   I have never been afraid to work hard.   I have reaped financial benefits, had fine things, traveled well, been able to shop or eat at nice restaurants without thinking about the balance in my checking account .   And wow, you don't realize what a huge blessing that is until you are at the grocery store looking in your cart, deciding whether to put back the coffee or broccoli because you have exactly $46 in your bank account which has to last until next week. 

I’m a water girl.   Maybe it comes with my January birthday.   I’m an Aquarian (is that the word?) - not that I’ve ever put any stock in astrology, but who knows!   Anyway, the ocean mesmerizes me.   I could stare at it for days.   I feel most connected to creation and the Spirit when I am dipping my toes in the wet sand and staring out at the deep blue horizon.   It’s my more than just my happy place.   Sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, fishing - I love ALL of it…..except swimming.   I know…weird, right?   But swimming in the ocean terrifies me.   Suddenly I am afraid of currents, the undertow, jellyfish, sharks, fire coral and all the underwater scary things you can imagine.   It’s interesting how the same body of water can bring a sense of peace or holy terror depending on the circumstance.   Life is the ocean, beautiful, breathtaking, awe-inspiring, serene at times, turbulent and destructive at others.   I have spent many beautiful days sailing across the su