Monday, June 2, 2008

Forces of Nature

I wish I'd taken this picture, but I can't claim credit. However, this is very similar to what we saw over the ocean tonight. As we sat out on the balcony tonight, we watched the sky light up in strobe-like flashes, and occasionally saw lightning bolts stretch across the sky or down to the ocean. There were several times when I said, "WHOA! Did you see that?!" It was beautiful.

One thing that always strikes me when we're down here in Florida is the sheer power of Nature (and yes...capital N). I see it at home, too, don't get me wrong. Tornadoes are incredibly nasty (knock on wood, we haven't had one hit us) and summer thunderstorms can wreak their own havoc. But sometimes it's the little things that remind me of just how puny we are.

Seeing something as simple as the waves coming constantly to shore tells me that nature abides. Standing in the surf and being buffeted by the waves, while simultaneously feeling the current suck the sand out from beneath my feet, tells me that I'm one giant wave away from being swept out to sea.

The sun is a constant presence, and every single one of us, young, old, or in-between, can be forced into sleepless nights when dealing with a nasty sunburn.

No matter what kind of power some people think they have, our week here every year reminds me of how pathetic we are in the face of the awesome force of Nature. I love it. It's a humbling experience, and maybe that's one of the reasons I love coming down here every year, because it's such a great reminder of just how insignificant we are.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was a gorgeous picture...I am afraid of storms but I love to look at them..I love the smell of rain too. I guess I am a simple person....loce, Christine

Anonymous said...

I hope you did get a few pics of your own of the storm to share when you get home. Helen

Anonymous said...

Welcome to Florida. The only good thing about those nasty thunderstorms is that they're usually over rather quickly and then the sun comes back. Have a good time.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

I love a good lightening storm !!
Take Care
Ellen

Anonymous said...

A very philosophical stance on your vacation experience.
I am not so much in awe of lightning as I am fearful of it.
Have a great time!!
connie

Anonymous said...

... that is why I want to go to Alaska, to experience something like that ... cool picture ... nice of you to give credit ..!

Anonymous said...

I miss those views from Fla. I don't believe I've seen such a glorious storm here in NY, at least not like I did there. (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

What an amazing phenonomen. I would love to have witnessed such a storm. Where I live the local mountains get all the fun and we just get the rain.

God Bless+
mairie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mairiegelling/word-in-the-hand/

Anonymous said...

the ocean has always held a mystical power for me..living in Ohio i never get to it except maybe every 10 yrs and it is always in FL. So, i understand your feelings about being near it.
HUGS

Anonymous said...

Reading these entries it's like I can feel the air.  I'm so jealous that if you get stopped by airport security next year for something suspicious in your bags... well you might as well know, it's going to be me, curled up in a little ball.  Oh and your clothes... they may still be at home.  ;)
Jamie