dousman

Saturday, April 10, 2010

I've come to really enjoy my quiet walks on the beach. I try to send a portion of my walk by myself so that I can just listen to God and be refreshed before interacting with the locals. What I've been noticing is that this time helps keep me grounded and aware of God's presence. The wind, waves, and sunset speak of His glory and beauty in a way that words could never describe. Yesterday and today, I have been particularly attuned to the sound of the rocks as they gently roll back into the ocean as the waves recede. The Kreyol word dousman means both slowly and gently, which is how the water moves. I sense God telling me just a little at a time. I was reminded to stay focused on the task immediately ahead of me because so often I am not capable of looking at or accepting the whole picture. Sometimes I may think that I am watching the sand and rocks closely to avoid walking on a thorn, but in reality my senses would be overwhelmed by the colors, sounds, sights, and smells if I wasn't. There is so much to notice. There is so much to experience. I am still adapting to a new culture and a new place. God is reminding me to take it slowly and gently... one step at a time.