One of my favorite vacation places is the beach. There’s something soothing about the waves lapping the shore, the roar of the ocean, and the sun kissing my skin. The tide washes up new treasures every morning. It reminds me of the promise found in Lamentations 3:22-23 that assures me that God’s mercies are “new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”

God’s faithfulness is as sure as the waves going out and coming back into the shore. The ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and falling, are all part of His craftsmanship. What is true of the ocean is also true of our lives.

The last few years have been a time of people washing in and out of my life. I was saddened when my nieces moved to Philadelphia from our sunny Arizona. I mourned as my daughter, son-in-law, and all six of my grandchildren moved out of state. In August, my youngest daughter also moved to the Pacific Northwest. And in November, my sister journeyed to Seattle to start a new chapter in her life.

I’m sad. But there’s something deeply satisfying about watching my loved ones chase their dreams. I can’t begrudge their wandering. It’s like the ebb and flow of the ocean. It goes out and it comes back in. God is still faithful and His mercies are still new every morning.

Last May, the tide washed our oldest daughter and her family back into our state again. They live only ten luscious minutes away from us. We share meals, babysit, go on outings, and drink deeply from the well of abundant life. Their eighth child, (a girl!) was born at the end of September. Their return makes the other good-byes easier to bear. Their two year absence makes these days even sweeter, like new seashells washed up on the shore.

Almost three weeks ago, my youngest daughter also moved back home. Once again I’m breathing the sweet air of laughter, pet stores, and coffee runs. It’s like the ocean washing the sandy beach smooth as the sun warms my face.

The tide goes out and then comes back again. But it isn’t without blessings, whether coming or going.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

Linda