On our last morning there, my mom and I decided to take an early morning walk on the beach to watch the sun rise over the ocean.
There is only one problem with that... the sun on Oak Island does not come up over the water.
That may be hard to believe since the island is located on the east coast.
Due to the curve of the land on Oak Island, the beach faces south. That explains why the sun appears to rise over the land and set over the ocean. Isn't that neat?
I just love the early morning hours when everything is quietly coming alive. The sky appears to be an ever changing canvas as the sun begins to peek through the morning clouds.
Watching the sunrise, I can't help but think about new beginnings. You see, in order for a new day to begin, the sun must set on an old one. There has to be a period of darkness while we wait for the sun to reappear.
As I write this post I think about my youngest daughter's first heartbreak. Unfortunately, it happened on Monday while I was traveling out of state on a business trip with my husband. I was not there with her. However, her older sister was right there helping her through the night.
I know that there are worse things than a breakup; however, when it is your first broken heart, it seems like the end of the world. I remember my first one, don't you? Whenever someone is experiencing an ending of any sort there is a period of darkness that follows... a time when the world as you know it seems to stand still.
Her world, for a little while, may seem to be a little dark, but the sun will come up on another day... another beginning... another opportunity... and yes, another love. (If her dad has his way, it will be a long time coming!)
I think that when we are experiencing darkness of any kind in our lives, it is important to remember that we are not alone. It is also comforting to know that with each ending comes a new beginning. After the darkness, praise God, the sun does come up again. And oh what beautiful sight that is!
22 comments:
Beautiful pictures and a beautiful post!
Those are beautiful photos!! I love sunrises and sunsets...and I am beyond in love with the ocean!!!
Along the lines to what you are saying, I read once that while our trials may make it seem like Friday (likening our trials to Christ's death on the cross), Sunday WILL come.
It's hard to remember that when you are deep in despair, but it's so true. And that's when it helps to have caring, encouraging friends in our lives...friends that will remind us that the darkness doesn't last forever, and who will be there with us until the darkness is gone.
Totally lovely post.
Hugs,
Patti
dear carla,
what an extraordinary post, full of glorious
photos and profound thoughts!
i think a heartbreak is devastating, no matter
the age or the source. i will keep your sweet
one in my prayers.
we just sent our youngest to the mission field
for three months, and we are all heartbroken.
but, tomorrow, the sun will rise.
thank you for reminding me.
love,
lea
What a great post with a wonderful message and beautiful photos. Glad you had a great weekend!
Your words are spoken from experience and dredge up some memories for me too. Your daughter will indeed be fine. Lovely sunrise and beach pics.
What a beautiful post! Your poor daughter. I remember my first heartbreak. Atleast she has lots of love surrounding her. What a great bonding moment with her big sister.
Such beautiful photos!! I have not been there, I have been to Topsail though. Ah yes, our first broken heart. I wish I would have had a big sister's shoulder to cry on, and I'm sure she told her it would be ok. Doesn't seem like it now, but it will be. Broken hearts help us to grow stronger, and probably wiser too! Hope the rest of your week is a good one!
Take Care,
Ulrike
These are some of the most beautiful sunrise photos I've seen! And your words so fitting! Your daughter is blessed to have you as a mom; not every mother is quite so understanding. I hope her dark days don't last long and that she will grow from this painful experience. I'm so thankful that the sunrise does follow the darkness! Beautiful post, Carla.
What a wonderful canvas the sky is ... and such lovely photos of it.
What a meaningful post, Carla. Your pictures are so peaceful, and it's good to have you back. I have been in the darkness before, and I find your likening it to the sun's travel compelling. Truly a wonderful example. Thank you for this. xoxo
Your photos are just lovely, Carla. Your young one's heart will mend but till then she's fortunate to be surrounded by such a loving family. I really enjoyed my visit here and I'll be back often. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
"There has to be a period of darkness while we wait for the sun to reappear", are wonderful words you offer, Carla. Your daughter is fortunate to have you as a mom to help guide. When we are young, a heartbreak feels as though the world had ended. Although it may not be comforting to her, tell her I look back on all my heartaches and I am so thankful that they occurred. Somebody was watching out for me. :)
Your photos are wonderful! You should think about posting on Friday's SkyWatch. Have a wonderful weekend with your family.
What a beautiful place to say good bye to summer. I love that the beach curves, and you have captured the sunset most beautifully.
Have a wonderful weekend in NC apple hunting!
xo Yvonne
What a great pictures !!
I really love it... beautiful post !
Happy SWF and greetings from Holland,
Anna
Its more than just neat, Its the best of both coastal worlds.. where eastern sunrises meets western sunsets.. simply fabulous!
Those are spectacular shots you took, thanks for sharing them.
Beautiful skies. You have a great ability to capture them at the right moment.
OH! Your post brought tears to my eyes. I have known heartbreak and so have my children, and I know exactly what you mean. How wonderful is God's faithfulness and grace, and how precious that your older daughter was there to help her sister. I have seen my three daughters be there for one another so many times, in a way that honestly, I could not. And then your pictures ... can't beat a Carolina beach for beauty at any time of day, but especially at sunrise and sunset. Such a breathtaking thing, so full of promise. Thanks for sharing your life-affirming reflections. God bless you!
Happy Friday, Happy Skywatching, and Happy Weekend!
Hi, I just found your blog. Yes, Oak Island is a wonderful place. We have a cottage there and love to go spend time on the Island. Hugs, Missjane
I can totally relate! Thanks for the wonderful post Carla!
Oh dear! I think my comment was lost! I so enjoyed this post--the beautiful photos and the delight in what God does for us. I have two sisters and we've seen each other through good and trying times. There's nothing better.
Best,
Bonnie
Amen, and amen. Beautiful photos, Carla, and such wisdom. Thank you for sharing it.
The sky is smiling and glowing... all is well in the heavens ;)
Have a wonderful week.
Post a Comment