In my seventh summer, I found the Kingdom of Heaven at the beach. Every day, from late June until Labor Day, I relished the time to see friends, swim in the ocean, stroll in the sand, and especially to collect sea glass.
At first, I kept the glass in a small jar. Soon, though, it was full, and I transferred it to another, larger jar, creating a kaleidoscope of white, green and brown, highlighted with rare slivers of blue. I filled that jar many times, sometimes gifting particular pieces, odd shapes or distinct colors, to my friends. Every day was an adventure, for I always found new treasures. And always I had room in my jar to hold more sea glass. The supply felt unlimited.
I savored that time, especially the evenings with the peace of the vast, empty beach and the soothing flow of the waves. The sun painted vibrant watercolor sunsets, as seagulls called to one another and scavenged the day’s leftovers. That summer, I had everything I needed. My life was free, easy, uncluttered and uncomplicated. I sat on my beach chair, perfectly content, nibbling a snack, watching the world spread out before me.
I didn’t know the words “Kingdom of Heaven” then — and I wasn’t to hear them until many years later. Yet, I knew this was a heavenly place, for I felt that surely God was the source of all that beauty and wonder. I knew that the world lay at my feet, waiting for me to embrace and experience all its possibilities.
Jesus taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is among us and within us. He taught that just as God provides for the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air, God also provides for us. Jesus reminded us: As we give, so we also receive. When Jesus spoke of Heaven, he did not necessarily mean a specific place, but the infinite potential and possibility which exist for us all, wherever we are.
That teaching is profound, though not always easy to grasp. Yet, as we allow ourselves to flow with life, just as the tides flow along the shore, we experience more of life’s ease and joy. As we begin to appreciate the abundance all around us, we realize the freedom we have to live in our own heavenly kingdoms and to feel the glory which lives within us and within every living thing.
While I’ve traveled many places and owned many possessions, few hold the power of my seventh summer. Even now, I carry the memory of its promise and peace with me. In meditation, I can return there, free, easy and prosperous beyond measure. And when I gaze at my sea glass, now in a new jar, I remember the abundance of the universe. God is my source, all the time, and my Kingdom of Heaven — and yours, Blessed Reader — is always at hand.
© 2016 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks. All rights reserved.
Wonderful thoughts for our chaotic world. Amen and amen!
Dear Rev Jen,
What an enchanting read. I felt I was sitting beside you feeling the wonder and adventure of summer bliss. I could see in my minds eye the beautiful sea glass and almost know the feel of that smooth texture between my fingers.
As we travel our journey we can take whatever we need to bless our lives forever with a memory of past adventures whether they be simple and nurturing or fast paced and not so easy for us to handle. The choice is ours. As I get closer to my Golden years I find it easier to remember the blessings and the excitement of just a beautiful garden,Sometimes it is a conversation that touched my heart and brought me closer to a dear one or new friend.
Last night with with our little dinner and loving friendship was one of those moments. The simple food and the sisterhood of sharing was a “A little piece of Heaven.”. It was so easy and enjoyable as we talked and got to know each other in a different setting. Your are enchanting and Jahnava and Meiling felt your love and acceptance. That is a gift which you so freely and beautifully give.
Thank you for being and remembering the lovely girl on the beach who know the importance of ease and creating that space for others. That is the deep part of you I treasure each Sunday. I know I am not alone in that feeling.
So my blessed Minister and friend I thank you for teaching one more lessons of just remembering to be. We all love you so much.
Shirley
Sent from my iPad
The Kingdom of Heaven is not just among us but within us and available for us at any moment. Wow, this is such a powerful concept to grasp and I thank you Rev. Jenn for helping me realize and better understand this!