r e f i n i n g - t h e - s i l v e r

I stand off the stern of the Passing Cloud, barely noticing the tossing of the waves beneath my feet. The wind is brisk and the salty spray feels cool and right, settling on my bare skin. Someone else is at the helm today, zigzagging through the bay. I feel the boat sway as we change tacks, adjusting to the westward wind. We’re going at a fair speed, maybe seven knots. The water alternates between a hiss and a roar as we soar by. It’s clear, so clear with naught but a wisp in the sky. The sun so bright is dazzles my eyes, making the water look rough and glassy at the same time. The air’s so fresh. I feel like I could just spread my arms and fly away, although the deck is comfortingly solid under my boots. The horizon is not a limit today but a gateway. There’s nothing in sight, nothing but sea and sky.

“It’s clear, we might see some dolphins today!” Greg calls from the galley door. “They’re usually farther away but if we have any luck a pod will chance by this way.”

Dolphins.

Yes dolphins are coming. Would they come if I called? Maybe I’ll try.

I close my eyes lightly, the fragile warmth of the sun shines red. It’s peaceful, no need to work for the calm that seems so distant in the city. This time though, I’m looking for a presence. I reach out with myself touching the bay and beneath it, searching, searching. Patience is not my virtue but I know something’s there. Patiently I wait, and search. I feel it. Reach harder. Come, I call. Come. Suspended, as if considering my request. Such a tenuous connection, like spiderweb. Something clicks, not audibly or sensually but invisibly. Come…

I hear the awed yelps of my friends as the bottlenosed dolphins race with the boat, weaving in and out just in front of our bow. The water droplets shine like diamonds from the splashing. A pod of them, sleek and shining, playing and frolicking, like children.

I smile.

Thank you, I call. Thank you.


Aren't I just such a hopeless romantic?
haha church tomorrow, heading off to bed.

Weekly wisdom: let God's word keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God's word.

David prayed, "My heart says of you, "seek His face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek."
Let's all learn to pray that way.
Psalm 27:8