Reflection: My Wife's Surfing Adventure

Last January, while we were in California for the Semper Fi Bowl and Nuru Summit, Jamie was able to really make the most of the time to plan, to relax, and to learn a new skill—surfing. I wasn't present for it so all I have are the photos and the memory of my wife looking super relaxed and chill after a full day of catching waves. 

But, before she went surfing, she did a six mile hike from our hotel to the ocean, and then rented a bicycle to go for a little 15 mile ride up and down the coast. In case you didn’t know it, my wife is amazing, and not just because she’s an incredibly fit athlete who inspires me daily to be a better husband and human being. She also has one of the most carefree and compassionate outlooks on life of anyone I know; I wake up daily with a sense of gratitude that she is in my life.

She lives life to the fullest every day, and it was no surprise to me that she took advantage of the opportunity to learn to surf while she was so near great waves. She had a couple of other friends join her for the surf lesson too--every adventure is more exciting with friends!

Many people have a hard time either with catching the wave, paddling into the wave, or with standing up, but not Jamie. She was a natural. And as a result, I anticipate some more surfing fun in our future. Special thanks to Ana Rahlves, Anne Emerson Leak, and Jesse Fleisher for the roles y'all played in this little adventure!

Heading back into the cold north

From the weather I've been enjoying, it appears I am in for a rude awakening upon my return to Morgantown. It is supposed to be down to 32 degrees tonight.

My period of fun in the sun is coming to an end. Amazingly in the middle of all of the class and conference time I've also been able to catch some waves read 5 books, and write three essays. Unfortunately I haven't been blogging as much.

My apologies.

It is interesting to note that blogging provides an opportunity for reflection and introspection. While I haven't blogged, my time floating on the waves also gave time for introspection, and I realized something. I have been missing out on that space. Even while on my rental board it took me a good two hours before I could really slow down and connect with the water. Sometimes everything just feels so rushed.

I do look forward to sabbath rest coming soon. It's important to slow down, and to connect with the would in which we find ourselves.

Surfing

Surfing, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Well, I finally made it into WV late last night. I stayed the night at my good friend Sam Fisher's after a very productive and also very fun day in Blacksburg, VA.

Reality is setting in for me though...no more surfing. This sport became one of the main ways I enjoyed Sabbath this summer.

It was also very informative too. The word surfing is used to describe a number of activities including perusing the web.

For me, the sport is exhilerating. I hope to be able to indulge in this rush whenever I am near the ocean.

Beyond this exhileration, I understand more about the water. Often we hear people talk about catching the next big wave. Until one has caught a wave, this metaphor isn't fully understood. There is a patience necessary to catch the wave. If you go to early, it doesn't break with you. If you go too late, the wave has broken before you can get in it. If you don't wait, you will settle for a mediocre wave, and the ride won't be nearly as enjoyable.

I wonder how many times in my life, I've been in too much of a hurry to catch the good waves. I hope as I grow in faith, I will more consistently catch the waves of the Spirit, and I will be able to more fully enjoy the ride.

Whether it be in the Atlantic, or the great oceans of faith--I know I love catching sweet waves!

For all who have never stood on a longboard as the wave carries you along the break to the shoreline--I hope you can understand.

Go catch some waves!