Unexpected Gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17

After my wipe out on the beach, I felt that I was to gather my belongings and take a walk with God. I shook the sand out of my bible then squeezed as much water as I could from my beach towel. With my backpack hanging on my shoulders I started to walk.

I pictured a smile on His face as He looked at my disheveled appearance and thanked Him for taking the time to teach me. As we walked many more waves crashed against the distant rocks sending a spray of sea water high into the sky. The scene was both powerful and a bit intimidating. It was as if He was saying, “I want to show you something.”

Just then I saw a baby sea turtle trying to make its way to the ocean. I quickly took out my cell phone and began recording his journey. He would move to the sound of the waves as if they were calling to him. When they were quiet, he stopped. As he drew closer to the ocean, the waves drew closer to him.

Two times the waves just missed him by a few feet. But he was determined to reach the ocean especially with a hungry bird flying overhead. Again, he moved quickly at the sound of the waves and was finally overtaken by one. Unfortunately, it only pushed him further back up the beach, but this set back did not deter him. Again he moved as fast as his little flippers would take him and eventually a larger wave carried him out to sea.

I admired the little turtle’s determination, in spite of his set backs and realized that he was an unexpected gift from God to me. If I hadn’t been hit by the wave of correction, I would have remained where I was and missed this spectacular experience.

Just like the turtle was listening for the sound of the ocean to guide him, we have the voice and word of God to guide us. Sometimes we need to stop and wait for His leading before we move. Then as we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us and eventually, our persistance will be rewarded and we will find ourselves exactly where God intended for us to be.

God doesn’t waste a teaching moment. Sometimes they may be painful, embarrassing or even humbling, but they all serve a greater purpose. Some lessons are harder to learn than others, but some come as unexpected gifts. Thank you Lord.