Ebb & Flow

Ephesians 2:10 -- "We are God's workmanship ... "

Big Talbot - Kelly Babb Dalton

Clinging to jutting roots as we descend down the cliff face it takes all the strength we have to control the speed at which we slip, trip, and spill onto the beach below. One of our favorite non-tourist spots, the things we love about Big Talbot Island make it less desirable as a go-to sun bather's paradise. The beach is littered with fallen live oaks, palm fronds, and debris. The shore is short with a steep drop off that's used as a shipping lane and clay deposits like to cling to the bottoms of your feet if you decide to wade into the surf.

It's paradise for hikers, though. On this beach we have discovered old glass bottles still intact from the 1930's, an amorous group of horseshoe crabs, two bald eagles, and unspent 50 cal shells fr
om WWII.

Big Talbot - Kelly Babb Dalton

What we see as a wonderful day spent hiking the wild Florida coast line is actually evidence of some pretty significant erosion. Each year, the cliff face retreats by a few more inches and more oak trees take a tumble over the edge.

Far way from the cluttered debris field of the East Coast sea shore, a group of men study some old growth spruce trees just at the edge of the timber line on the high side of a mountain ridge. These spruce trees are highly prized for violin makers. The high winds, winter storms, and sparse soils make the tree respond with thicker sap. Rough elements and a short growing season cause the trees to produce a highly sought-after wood with a desirable texture perfect for the beautiful sound of a violin. Were it not for the thinner air and harsh environment, these spruce trees would not be considered any more precious than other old growth trees on the timber line.

In fact, it's the ware and tare - gentle destruction, if you will - that make these two very different places desirable to some. Every day the waves eat away at Big Talbot, and every day the harsh weather and mountain climate slam into the spruce trees.

Each human being that experiences some tough ware and tare in life develops "growth rings". Old scars perhaps, or a few cracks and chinks that make each one of us unique. These things in the Hands of God shape us for His purpose. The gentle molding and shaping in our lives develop each of us into a beautiful instrument that can resonate God's presence. We are the handiwork of our Creator and each tumble we take softens up our rough edges allowing God to create something beautiful.