Rising Above The Wave

Our family had quite a adventurous summer this year. My husband’s work has brought our family to Nicaragua. As soon as I landed, I noticed the different colors in this new country – the smooth Camboge in mangoes, the vibrant Opera Rose on dragon fruit, the deep, earthy Burnt Sienna on roads and brick buildings.

The Gift Exchange

Shortly after we arrived, we experienced first-hand the generosity and helpfulness of local people when my son met with an accident on the beach. Thankfully all is well and he only had minor injuries. We were so blessed to receive lots of help. To express our thankfulness, we decided to go back a second time right before we left Nicaragua.

I wanted to bring a gift to the hotel manager who helped us so much, but couldn’t think of anything. So I painted this beach scene and handed it to her. 

It was my way of expressing gratitude – not only to her and a dozen people who helped, but to the Maker who made this beautiful beach.

Would You Take the Risk?

At sunset, I watched the surfers appear. If I was 30 years younger, I might have considered getting on a surfboard myself. It must be so exhilarating to ride on top of a wave.

But you must be courageous as well as patient, waiting for the right moment to jump on the board, balancing your body just as you have practiced a thousand times. You ride the wave as long as you can. After you fall, you do it again. Some ride for a long minute, others 5 seconds. 

I thought to myself – if I managed to stay on the surfboard for even one second, it would be a win! But when the opportunity comes, would I seize the moment?

Or would I keep thinking my skill is not good enough and watch the wave pass by?