As I watched the small, inconsequential, nobody really noticed waves expend themselves on Singapore’s shore, my mind drifted to the giant waves I have witness on Hawaii’s north shore and the record setting storms along Northern California’s coast. In both cases, one could feel the power being unleashed through all the senses. The waves sounded, felt, and looked looked like monsters. Once could not imagine anything or anyone surviving their beating.
As strong, powerful, and overwhelming as they were, it is not clear where the waves started its journey. Scientifically someone may know. On the other hand, if others are like myself, few think about it when we are watching. Additionally, given the power on display, I cannot imagine anything other than time and exhaustion putting the ocean in its place. The power on display is too strong, too big, and too relentless for anyone or anything to control.
A Singaporean Coastguard ship cruised offshore, changing the waves onshore. What was small became several times its size only to be followed by a period of stillness. The impact of a single force changed everything.
I find myself reflecting on an old observation. “You [Divinity] put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly.” (Psalm 89.9) In a replay of Singapore’s Coast Guard, the big and the ugly turned silent.
I wonder if the difference in my perception between Singapore and Hawaii’s North Shore is a reflection of the limitation of what I can imagine. I see and understand what happened in Singapore. I cannot imagine a replay on the North Shore. Impossible and unimaginable and yet my heart tells me maybe, just maybe it is possible. It is just…something I cannot grasp.
I find my mind drifting to falling short and repeating failures. When I can grasp and learn, I do not seem to make the same mistake again. When they are overwhelming, my mind drifts to my limitations and Evil’s overwhelming power.
My limits need not limit Divinity as they often do. It is time to free my imagination.
