Friday, July 8, 2011

it's always ourselves we find in the sea.


"for whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea." 
- e.e. cummings

Last weekend, Jordan and I joined my dad's side of the family for some much-needed rest and relaxation in Ellijay, Georgia. The home our families rented sat right next to a slow-moving river; the sounds alone were enough to put even the crankiest baby to sleep. As I sat with toes in the water, watching as kayakers and tubers made their way through the shallow waters, I thought: This is the life.

I often feel that way on the vacations we take; I become attached to the places we visit, and I envision what they could be if I were to ever call them "home." Boston, Newport, Savannah, Chicago, Florence. I love all of these cities.

But there is something about the water that rejuvenates me, calms me, brings me back to who I am called to be.

Maybe it's the sounds, the rushing waves, the babbling brooks. Maybe it's the different, simpler way of life found away from traffic and city skylines.

I think, though, that water itself has some healing properties, has the ability to calm and conquer fears and stresses. Our visits to places by the water are always my favorite, and they are the hardest places to leave. (Tybee Island, I'm looking at you.)

Jordan and I don't know what the future holds or where we'll be in the next few years. But I hope -- I really truly hope -- it is near water of some kind. I'm curious as to the type of person I would be if I were given a few months down by the water.

I have a feeling I'd be a happier, simpler, dreamier me.

--

5 comments:

Staley Mc said...

Being by the water is so relaxing, when I was at the lake a few weeks ago it was so easy to just not worry about anything. It's such a more simple life. Hope you have a lovely weekend Annie!

Four Flights said...

I live 8 minutes by the beach for a reason ;) There is nothing like a lake or an ocean to really make you stop and revel in God's wonder; at least that's the power water has for me. To remind me that in the end, life is good, all is good :)

Cindy P said...

I love living by the water. It truly does make my life happy. I don't know that I could ever live not by water. Now granted we don't have any real beaches here since we're just surrounded by a couple of rivers, but it's still perfect! I like the fact that we have a boardwalk on the river yet it's not crowded as say Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach. It's such a lovely place! And you're right, whenever I vacation by the water it calms me and takes away my stresses. I love the water!

Brittany said...

I'm the same way with places that I've traveled to--I keep falling in love! And I'm actually considering grad school in some ocean-y places and just the thought of it makes me so excited.

Anonymous said...

Annie,

My parents live on the water in sc & we've always vacationed somewhere in the lowcountry of sc and i ALWAYS (like, daily) think i would be happier living near the water. Then I wonder, would i really? or do i just think i would? But, really, I feel like i would! Its so much more relaxing and simple and i just feel so comfortable and myself. I hope one day we can live closer! But we will just have to see what God has in store i guess. happy weekend!