Mother Nature

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today, life is good today

This week we've been on vacation at the beach. I have watched my little boy feel the power of the ocean as it pulls and pushes against him. I have watched his eyes light up with excitement with one wave, and his eyes darken with fear of the next.

Mother Nature is not to be fooled with.

This week, the beach has been kind of crazy. Due to thunderstorms and a tropical storm out at sea, the water is unseasonably cold and the surf is very, very rough. We are in the Outer Banks, and apparently where we are there is a convergence of currents. So not only do the waves come at you head on, but also from the sides. It takes all your strength to stay upright when the waves hit you.

Yesterday, jellyfish invaded the beaches. There were hundreds of them laying on the beach and more in the waves. We stayed away for fear of getting stung (even though most of them were probably already dead from the strength of the surf).

I love the beach. I love the roar of the waves, the warmth of the sun, the push and pull of the water around my body and the feel of the sand sticking to my sunscreen clad body. I love watching my son and husband digging holes and building sandcastles in the warm sand.

But there are dangers: rip currents, sharks, jellyfish, getting swept out to sea. But such is Mother Nature. She gives us the beauty of the earth, the circle of life, babies (mammalian and otherswise) and seasons filled with colors and smells that thrill the soul.

She also gives up hurricanes, tornadoes, death and famine. It is a double edged sword that we both love and hate, depending upon the day.

As I played with my son in the waves, I encouraged him to have fun, but never, ever turn your back to the ocean. It will get you every time you let your guard down.

And such is life.