Triangle rocks

I have never seen square rocks before.  Well, not ones that weren't formed by human hands.  I mean, we have all seen pavers and bricks and tile and well...you get the idea.  But I have never seen square rocks formed by the ocean.  We originally stopped at Moose Point State Park to let the kids stretch their legs and lungs during a trek to Northern Maine for work.  I never expected to be provoked to wonder and awe as I was during our time there.

The little ones ran ahead with Rahne.  Down the steps to the rocky coast they traipsed.  Surely tide pools and adventure were waiting and they didn't want to waste a minute.  My 13 year-old lingered with me and I was soon bent over to get a closer look at the rocks shifting beneath our feet.

Instead of smooth-edged pebbles,  I saw geometry.  If I had a ruler and a protractor in my pocket, it only would have verified God's beauty and symmetry expressed in nature that was unfolding under my steps.   I picked up a square, an isosceles triangle, then an equilateral triangle too.  I soon filtered and discarded some of my earlier finds as I realized how common they were on this beach.  I found one as thin as an After Eight mint and exactly the same size.  These were a favorite treat of my Dad when I was little, and I tucked the square mint rock in my pocket.

I realized I was mind-blown- muttering under my breath as Sadie came back to show me a beautiful crab shell she had discovered.  I opened my hands and displayed the rocks for her to see.  "Whoa!  That's crazy!!  This is the beach of the geeks!"  I agreed and said "It looks like a brick factory exploded here.  I just don't understand why they are like this?"  

Haven't we all wondered the same thing before?  We take the circumstances in our lives and look to God and ask Him why we have to experience the sharp edges.  We want our lives to be smooth pebbles and beach glass.  The kind that you can tuck in a small wicker basket in your guest room and smile at whenever you pass by.  No one displays oxidized, jagged shards among the lace--but I will.

This has been a difficult year for our family.  My 8 year-old son has been diagnosed with a progressive, retinal eye condition called Stargardt Disease and we have all been adjusting to that new reality.  He has become more emotional and so have I.  I haven't been angry at God or even questioned why he would bring this into Eli's life as a particular trial for him.  I really haven't.  I just find that I am always bubbling just below the surface and I spill into tears at things that would never make me emotional before.  Things ridiculous as when I read about a new military discount.  "That is so sweet of them!"  I love saving money, but generally not enough to dab my eyes at the though of saving 5% on a taco.  I suppose it has uncovered in me a new sensitive spot, that doesn't have its callous yet.  The kind of thing that lingers in the background and when something brings it to the forefront stabs you in the stomach a bit.  It's still sharp.

Next summer, we are planning on heading out West so Eli can see animals before his eyesight gets any "weirder"- as he says.  He is quite an animal expert,  having memorized all the facts presented on every episode of the Wild Kratts-- his favorite TV show.  So, we will embark on an RV journey of some variety and head towards Yellowstone, the Tetons and Colorado in search of Buffalo and bear.  (I do realize more planning has to go on here...)  When we get there on the ground, I will see what I have only previously flown over. Save a short stint in MO, I have always lived on the East coast, and I am excited to gain a new perspective.  A new view- to see how those jagged rocks look when you are right at their feet instead of 30,000 feet above. 

My perspective on mountains has been one of Green, White, Appalachian, and Adirondack.  They are (mostly) smooth, rolling forested blankets of shag carpet that form the most magnificent 70's tribute tever during his time of year.   They ebb and flow in waves of intensity,  all virtually shouting God's Glory to the tourists who flock to New England in Oct.  My surroundings have been worn, shaped and measured over time.

I am looking forward to seeing the spires, cliffs and dramatic peaks of the West next summer.  I am hoping God will use the journey there to soften the edges of my new peak or to show us how to find the beauty it has for itself.  Certainly you wouldn't meet anyone who has experienced  Rockies and Appalachians and would say either is ugly.  They would simply say they are different.  Born of different circumstances and changed over time they have matured into identifiable measures of God's creation.  One brash.  Adolescent.  The other soothing.  Maternal.  Triangle rocks and beach glass. 

**Note-- This was buttoned-up, but never published last September.  Tomorrow we leave for our trip out West.  The time has come <3 p="">