Sea and Sky

For years, I have loved the poem Sea-Fever by John Masefield. It is copied in its entirety below – without copyright permission. I apologize.

I never got to go on a tall ship. Cruise boats, yes. Tall ships with sails shaking, never. Except for some corny pirate ship tours that had motors for power. The sails were for looks. I have been on a few catamaran rides which I absolutely loved!

I would have liked to retire near the beach, but Daddy’s wise advice always kept the idea at a distance. ‘Never get a place by the ocean unless you can afford to replace it.’

I love the sky. When we retired first to South Texas, we had a little place built where a magnificent view of the wide Texas skies was broadcast from every direction every hour of the day. We were far enough away from the lights of the city that the night sky sparkled with stars. Wonderful!

We moved to Georgia where trees on every side pretty much blocked the view of the sky. But for 20 years it was home and God blessed.

In my maturity, God has granted us a unique view of sky and water. Though not a sea, it is a very pleasant lake. The sky hasn’t been very colorful since we have been here, but some of the white thunderheads have been very beautiful.

We keep our back blinds fully open all the time so night or day, we can look out on the lake. When I get up in the middle of the night, I look out and think, ‘God has led us beside still waters.’

Truly He does restore my soul as we sit on the back porch after a busy day of unpacking, sorting, pitching, and taking things to the thrift store. The move has been challenging physically and emotionally. The down time every evening may not be as exciting as being on the ocean, but we are finding peace in the process.

Being surrounded by old people all the time is interesting. Some ‘nigh on to ancient’ ones get around better than I do! I think they are my new heroes.

But here’s a verse or two that I’m claiming as a promise for this stage of life. Psalm 1:1-4 TLB somewhat redacted and with a KB spin.

Oh the joys of those who are wise, hang around good people, and honor God. They delight in doing everything God wants them to and always meditate and really think about His Scriptural guidance and ways to follow Him more closely. ‘They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.’

Moving at our age has been physically and emotionally challenging, but the Lord has given us strength, calm, and contentment amid the seemingly overwhelming task.

I hope you find joy in your journey in your particular situation and know God’s peace.

Blessings,Kara Beth

Sea – Fever by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

God's guidance, God's peace., joy in the journey, sea, sky