It’s fascinating to see how certain topics can be interwoven through common themes, such as love, taxes and the beach.  At first glance, one would never put the three together. I certainly would not have, except for the fact that I lived through last week.

On Valentine’s Day I became officially (that’s another long story) engaged to the love of my life. With that significant event has come a flurry of thoughts revolving around guest lists, invitations, colors, a wedding dress, ticket prices and so much more. But those thoughts have not gripped my attention as much as the overwhelming power of love on my life. As I fall more in love each day with the man who surpasses anything I could have dreamed of, I am reminded of how much my Creator loves me. Not only did He design this amazing man to walk with me into forever, He sacrificed His life for me so that I could be personally reconciled with God. Without Christ’s sacrifice I would not have a forever to look forward to. The all-consuming power of LOVE that seems to have a will of its own.

One week later I did my taxes. The dread that comes with that five letter word. That all-too familiar sinking feeling in the pit of one’s stomach as you see how much you really earned in a year and how much you actually received…after Uncle Sam and the state grabbed what they wanted.  The echoes of empty promises and deceptive propaganda from campaign speeches sounding in one’s ears as the figures for a return simply don’t increase. And that helpless feeling when you realize you simply have to accept that taxes will always be and there is no choice but to pay them.  The depressing reality of TAXES that will always exist in one’s life.

Thanks to Zimba’s surplus of energy I have been going to the beach on a weekly basis. Swimming is the only activity that succeeds in exhausting him for at least three consecutive hours. As I gaze into the endless horizon, hear the steady roar of the ocean’s exultations, and see the waves glide up and down on the sand, I am in awe of how small I am. Love is greater than me; taxes are not controlled by me; the ocean could sweep me away.  In the grand scheme of things I am insignificant; in the grander scheme of things I matter to my Savior and this life was designed for me by Him for His glory. As I live well, ride the waves of human emotion, and dance to the rhythm of life, I can be swept away by the power and glory of the nature of God.

A lesson learned from love, taxes and the beach.