We had a stretch of pleasant, warm weather this past fall that made for beautiful walks along the beach. One Saturday morning, my husband, Jerry, and I had our eyes focused on the shore as the waves rolled in, excited to see the beautiful beach glass, rocks and shell surprises that Lake Erie would be delivering to us. Time passed by unnoticed as we slowly strolled the long stretch of beach, both of us completely immersed in our mission.
As we were nearing the end of our walk, Jerry startled me a bit as he called out, “Hey, look up!”
He was pointing to an incredible sight directly in front of us. A bald eagle had just swooped down into the water and was coming up with a big fish clutched in its talons! It was so majestic that it almost felt unreal. As the eagle flew off with its catch, we both looked at each other in amazement. Had Jerry not looked up when he did, we would have missed that magnificent display of nature’s beauty!
I then took a few moments to notice the view in front of me. The lake was cobalt blue, clear and glistening in the sunlight. The clouds were big and fluffy against the sky that was an even brighter shade of blue than the water. The view of Fairport Harbor in the distance was clear, and the lighthouse looked like it could have been on a scene on a vintage postcard.
I closed my eyes and felt the warm breeze on my face and took in the scent of the damp air from the water. As I listened to the sound of the waves as they hit the shore, seagulls chimed in, making it even more delightful. Aaaah, I love these sounds and the peaceful feelings of calm they bring me!
Afterward, it occurred to me that had Jerry not prompted me to look up, I would have missed seeing the eagle catch its breakfast, and the view of the expansive lake and sky, and the scents and sounds that I love. I was so focused on my mission, that I could have easily missed the things that bring me the most pleasure!
During this busy time of year, I am sharing this reminder from Mother Nature with you because it is especially important to stop and experience the magic and beauty of the season. Remind yourself to pause and use your five senses to take in the splendors all around you. Don’t get so focused on your mission that you miss out on the things that bring you the most joy!
Jewels on the Beach