The beach is my favorite place to recharge and relax. The sound of the waves is constant. When I walk on the beach and look out, the ocean appears to go on forever. The sound of the waves and the sight of the ocean remind me of how small I am compared to the vastness of the ocean.

While some people might not like the idea of being a very small part of a very large world, that knowledge brings me peace. It puts my life, and its trials and issues, into perspective. It reminds me that, when I am gone, the ocean will still be here, waves rolling in and dissipating, tides rising and falling.

If you’re even a little like me, you like the feeling of control. Not necessarily the feeling of controlling everyone around you, but the feeling of knowing what to expect when and from whom. The ocean reminds us of how little control we have and how life, nature and God can surprise us.

The waves come and the waves go, regardless of what you do to them. You can jump into them, jump through them, simply watch them, or even ride the waves if they are large enough, but you cannot tame the waves.

So, at least for a while, I will try to ride the waves of life, enjoying the experience and the view along the way. With the goal of trying to make the world a little brighter place for those around me, in the hopes that they too might enjoy the ride, or at least spring break. All the while knowing that when we return from our break, we will be ready to spring into action and tackle the projects, deadlines and exams.

Anyway, just a few thoughts while lying by the pool; after all, it is spring break.