I imagine watching the sun set over the horizon, the vibrant colors matching those of my fruity drink, and the swimsuits of my equally colorful companions. Some of us are frolicking near the waters edge. A couple of us are in beach chairs reading everything from trashy novels to the daily newspapers. We are on vacation. We left all of our individual cares at home, and me and my sister-friends are enjoying the juxtaposition of warm sun rays and cool ocean waters. We are attired in everything from a stark white burkini, to a simple black bikini, and the beach welcomes us all.

But it is just my imagination.

In reality, I have never been to the beach, (unless you count Longview Beach, in KCMO,,,which you totally should not.) It’s not that I have never been to the coast. (I have.)) It’s not that I even consciously decided that the beach is not for me. (I have not.) It just so happens that I have never been to the places where the ocean kisses the sand.

I am fascinated by my friends’ and family’s tales of their beach adventures, how being baptized in the crystal clear waters of the sea changed their perspectives. I see their photos from Hawaii and Jamaica and all over the globe. The fact that they are smiling makes me happy.

I think the beach is a metaphor for all of our lives. Certainly, the beach can be a place of tranquility and hope. The horizon and possibilities are endless. But the beach has a dark side, where danger and uncertainty collide to create a storm of tremendous magnitude.

It is beautiful and frightening all at the same time.

Such is life.
Enjoy it to the fullest.

Love,
Mama Radford