Praise Him on the Waves

I was paddling hard, and then harder, and with a sudden surge behind me, I felt the wave pick me up. I jumped to my feet, and in an instant, I was on top of the wave, riding down it, skimming across the surface of the water. Surfing is an exhilerating feeling, and today was no exception.
The conditions were far from ideal: choppy water, and stiff winds. But it was still a beautiful day to feel alive, and there were a few small sets that I was able to ride in.
Out on the water, sitting alone on a surfboard, seeing the sun setting as you scan the horizon for a bigger wave... its a peaceful feeling. Out there, you can feel the very presence of a Holy God... He is there in the wind, and in the waves. The ocean speaks to me of his power, but also reminds me of his mercy and love.
My heart is somehow at peace out on the waves. The daily worries of everyday life kind of falls away, and all time passes away.

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world."

Psalm 19:1-4

We are surrounded by testimonies of God's power, mercy, and love. How can we live our lives ignoring everything He has created?? Taking for granted the very miracles that give us life? Too often I get caught up in the headlong rush of the unimportant urgent things of life that I make so top priority, and I push God to the background.

That is wrong of me. He is my first, and only true priority. I want to live my life to glorify God, and praise him by exalting in his Creation. A good place to start is to praise Him on the waves-- in complete solitude, yet surrounded by evidence of His awesome might.