First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Beach Listener

Linda Soller | Oct 04, 2012

In the Drop-In class we did a series on lessons in faith from the seashore.  My extended family had recently returned from Myrtle Beach, SC. We have gone there since I was a young teen, and while we have stayed at different locations along the beach, that time together as one big family has taken on a wonderful familiarity that spans generations. I look forward to the next year’s trip starting the day I get home from the current year. To look at me you would not see me as a beach lover. Even when I first get back I have a tan that most people could pick up working in their yard for about an hour. Needless to say, I don’t go for the sunbathing. I go for two—no three—reasons. First, I love spending time with my family; second, I catch up on my reading under the umbrella sitting in a chair with a hat and SPF#30 sunscreen for protection; and last but not least I love my sunrise walks. I do take some kidding about getting up so early to walk while on vacation, but believe me it is worth it. You see, I am a “beach listener.“

In the early morning on the beach there are few people. The cast of characters usually includes fishermen, photographers, dog walkers, runners, some who appear to have been there since the night before, and fellow walkers. It is not always easy to tell if these people are also listeners. Clearly some are not as the have music playing into their headsets or are having lively conversations. Listeners like myself are more often than not on their own, not plugged into any electronics, and look a little lost in our thoughts. It is a wonderful quiet time when the morning light makes magic on sand and sea. As I walk I listen to the waves, to the sound my feet make in the sand, and the birds flying overhead. It is a rare and special time in nature, before the sun starts to burn and while the breeze is still cooling.

Maybe you are different, but in my busy life I am not always good about making time to listen. My prayers frequently include my personal list of items for God’s attention, and my bible reading is often limited to research for the class I teach. I would not give up my prayers or reading for anything, but I do understand on some level that I really do need to listen. I am not sure I give God the chance to get a word in to the conversation. When I am on the beach, listening and being still, I give God the chance to speak to me without interruption.  It is both therapeutic and inspirational. By focusing on the sounds of the beach I am able to keep my mind from wandering. I am certain that the practice of beach listening can easily transfer to other favorite environments such as “woods listening” or “lake listening” or “snow listening.” I have tried snow listening and it is pretty amazing, but a touch chilly. When considering if you wish to become a listener consider this verse as possible inspiration: Psalm 46:10 starts with “Be still, and know that I am God;” Have a great week.

:o) Linda