This week the challenge at the Daily Post said; In this week’s writing challenge, you’ll write a post using three photographs for inspiration.  I choose three photographs by Sue Nash whose blog is Heavenly Raindrops.

I pulled my car into the parking lot and checked once more to make sure I had placed my new beach permit within clear view.  Just a few more moments and I would be walking on the beach, wind whipping my hair while the sea air cleared my head.

A beautiful peace ensued as soon as my bare toes met with the gritty sand and I breathed in a deep cleansing breath of salty air.

It was a quiet day on the beach, just the way I like it.  The only sounds were the boisterous kiss of the waves on the shore and a few hungry seagulls searching for a hand out.

As I walked, I found I wasn’t completely alone as I noticed a couple of others meandering along the shore.  I wondered for a moment if they came here to make decisions too.

Since I was a small child, there is something about the ocean that calms me.  I have found that in a pinch that other bodies of water will do, although the ocean along with the sound of the waves is my preference.

I feel so close to God when I stand in awe of His creation and I needed to feel that way now.  There was a lot riding on the choices I would soon make, and I desperately needed to hear from Him.

I stopped and flopped down in the still warm sand, just far enough away from the waves to stay dry.  I thought back on all the prayers uttered here and gave thanks for those answered and the ones God chose to answer in a different way than I could have imagined.

I knew as I squinted towards the sky that I would leave here knowing what to do and having a deep peace about it.  As I looked out across the ocean and began my prayer, the sun was beginning to sink a little lower.

Moments later, my heart full of peace, I got up, brushed off my jeans, dipped my toes in the water and felt a smile tug at the corners of my mouth.  As I walked past the fences, placed there to keep people out, I was glad nothing kept me from God.  Ever.

Refreshed, restored and replete with God’s goodness, I made my way to my car, ready to meet the challenges head on.