Starfish Canyon

The crashing plume of water is created by the powerful ocean rushing into a narrow canyon in the rock, perhaps 10 feet deep. The canyon makes a slight curve at the end and stops abruptly. The water has no choice. It slams into the massive rock and explodes upward, creating a sound like a bomb detonating. Then the water retreats and the rock remains, waiting for the next futile assault. Powerful is an understatement when describing the collision of water and stone. At low tide, when the ocean barely creeps onto the soft sandy beach, the rock canyon is exposed, revealing nature’s art hanging from its walls. Starfish of all colors have attached themselves to the walls, dark reds, pinks, almost purple ones create a gallery of living art. Several times I have walked to the end of the canyon, put my hands on the immovable stone that takes the ocean’s attack, then stood back to admire the artistic designs of starfish.

I give thanks for moments when I come, unknowingly, closer to the deep essence of life. I talk all the time, maybe too much, about seeing beauty, strength, power in the daily flow of life. I think recognizing those things is part of our spiritual journey. But, when you move beyond seeing into experiencing, from observing something to being part of it, that is a magnificent moment. Rare? Perhaps, but possible. Those opportunities flourish all around us. Even today, where you are right now, there is something waiting for your deeper discovery. Never close your eyes in night’s sleep until you have looked back over your day and said to yourself, and to God, “that was the moment.” When this kind of recognition happens once, it’s easier for the next time, and easier for the next time. By the way, you don’t have to walk in a rock canyon and see starfish to have this kind of encounter. It’s right where you are. Waiting for you. At the end of this day, may you smile as you fall asleep, knowing that you have lived. Knowing the fullness of Presence.