Deception’s Waters

Was going through a stack of photos, and came across ones taken a couple of years ago while vacationing in the State of Washington. The location was Deception Bay, Puget Sound - what an overwhelming sight - the water appearing deep and serene. However, its character was misleading for in moving around its edges, it offered a new perception at every angle.

Stories tell that years ago ship captains guided their ships into the bay’s beautiful waters thinking it was a place of safety in the midst of the sea's storms. Inside the cove, they found the waters, in many places, to be shallow, rocky and turbulent. Its deceptiveness caused many a shipwreck, leaving mighty ships broken apart, with their crews wounded or having perished. I can’t help but think the bay stands as a lesson to guard ourselves at all times, even when all seems calm and peaceful on the surface - for it is the underlying conditions, not readily seen, that may be perilous and destroy the spirit. My poem is written as a reminder not to be complacent but guard myself from becoming a statistic of shipwreck.

Swells boisterously rise above shades of gray,
unmercifully lurching as beasts toward their prey.
In patterns of frustration they ruthlessly toss,
determined to dash anything in their path to cross.

Pivoting wildly beneath, water in the unrest of a storm,
every motion aspiring to seize an unfamiliar form.
Cunningly deception lies on the crest of the wave,
as a fortress, to conquer those daring in self to be brave.

Waters continually strike at each vessel’s existence,

hoping strength is gone, for to offer little resistance.
But as adversity comes to conquer, it must subside again,
it is here that one’s faith must regroup if a victory to win.

The secret in mastering the storms that reside in the sea,
is to set sail toward the pristine shore known as eternity.
For in trusting we embark on a voyage navigated from above,
and we will reach our destination in the safety of love.

Isn’t it wonderful that God speaks to us through the elements of nature? Why not look around your environment as I am sure He has a lesson waiting just for you.

Mastering the Waves

Oh, the challenge of mastering the big waves of the Pacific Ocean - the turning, carving, snapping off the top, and getting barreled (a.k.a.: surfer talk). The waves I’m speaking of are the world famous Mavericks north of Half Moon Bay, west of Princeton-by-the-Sea, and south of Moss Beach (and straight above Pillar Point). Each year, since 1999, there has been a Mavericks contest to determine the conqueror or conquerors of the big wave; that is, if the waves cooperate (Pacific storms determine whether the giants will emerge or not, with the contest’s time frame somewhere in-between mid-December to February). If the waves are a no show, the contest is put off for another year.

The greatest surfers from all over the world come to battle the most wicked waves that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. These surfing daredevils challenge the up-to-50-foot high waves, the jagged rocks, the shallow reefs and the frigid water. It is a spectacular exhibition of man’s skills battling nature’s elements.

The contest brings thousands of big-wave surfers to the small beach sandwiched between lofty cliffs and giant, crashing waves. We lived for 10 years just 1/4 mile from the actual Maverick site. In fact, if you look at the picture (below) where the surfing fans are sitting on the cliffs, our house was on the other side of the Cypress trees. Living that close, you couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement of the event. Being there in person is breathtaking with the sounds of crashing waves, the smell of fresh sea air, and a mist that flows up the cliff to touch your face.

Some fans pay up to $275 (cash) to watch the contest in one of a small fleet of tour boats available at the Princeton Harbor. It is hard to believe that anyone would pay that much to get up close and personal and bob up and down in the rocky sea but they do. No refunds for the seasick.

Well, this year’s Mavericks contest has come and gone - and the winners have been announced. However, there is another contest that comes to mind. It's the contest that we participate in each day. Living for the Lord has its excitement, challenges, and emotions as we bob up and down on the sea of life. In the process, we become seasoned daredevils challenging huge obstacles and unseen dangers. It’s a spectacular exhibition of our skills battling life’s elements. May we all master life's breathtaking waves - and be announced winners at His contest's ending.

The Lighthouse that Guides

While living in the Bay Area, there was a small lighthouse just about a half-mile up the coast from us - both it and our house were cradled along the shores of Seal Cove. Every night the lighthouse's beam would dance across the waters directing vessels along their course or giving warning to those etching too close to shore.

Our lives are like the sea, either turbulent or peaceful. Oft times we drift along in life's circumstances and are unaware that we are moving too close to possible danger. I am so thankful that God's Lighthouse warns us before we shipwreck and offers us a course of safety. How wonderful is His guiding light that brings assurance and serenity to our very being.