sanderlings and life

 

I always enjoy seeing these little fellows scurry along the shore.

As I watched them tonight it struck me how alike I am to them.

There is something I want,

so I chase after it-

to a point.

When there is push back,

or something that might cause discomfort

or I might fail,

I run, 

as fast as I can,

the other way.

Over and over again.

A few minutes before I found this little flock I had done something daring.

I saw a shell, 

one of the largest whole shell I've seen, 

tumbling around in the water just out of reach.

I walked toward it,

well, thought about walking toward it,

but the waves rushed at me 

and I backed away,

over and over again.

Then walked away from the area, 

refusing to take a chance on getting my jeans wet,

especially if I missed it.

As I took a few steps back toward the house we are staying in.

I thought of all the other times I've done that.

Something snapped inside

I turned around,

looked until I found it 

and waded in.

Reward!

The bottom of my jeans got wet but I got the shell.

Such a small thing, 

but such a huge feeling of success!

Is there something you've wanted to do,

but, like me,

have backed away,

again and again?

Maybe it's time to take a chance.