My steps were increasingly uncomfortable; I could feel each sharp
small object as they embedded deeply into the sensitive meat of weak feet. My
hope was diminishing. I eventually
ceased looking to the sky. There is no
light and that is why I was certain that it was not coming.
Suddenly, a small break in the clouds, a beaming ray of
sunshine escapes and illumination a sliver of the scenery in my path. The sea, suddenly an appropriately
picturesque green that twinkled brilliantly, I began to take comfort in each
step of sand warmed by the sun. I gazed
around, my shoulders no longer so incredibly hunched by such an oppressive
load, I began to gaze about. Ahead, I
could make out sugar white sand dunes intertwined with beach grass.. I smiled, and felt the dried salt from the
sea spray crackle on my face. I smiled
wider.
I drew closer and through the dunes I spied a dilapidated
boardwalk. I could see that it zigzagged
right, then left and right again until I was unable to determine where it lead. I arrived at the entrance and I was shocked
by the presence of a sign; Worn and
washed-out, almost unreadable if not for the sun illuminating the outlines of
the faded letters.
Keep off the dunes and
beach grass
Resentment arose, and I began to rationalize reasons as to
why I was entitled to the privilege of walking along the comfortable sand and
scenery of the lovely dunes.
The sign was so decrepit that it clearly showed that the owner
must not care enough for the threat trespassing on His property if He wasn’t
diligent enough to care for the sign to make make his wishes known. I became
even more appalled when I took a closer look at the entrance to the boardwalk,
the wood weathered and splintered, rusted nails exposed along the expanse, the
railings were completely missing in some sections and numerous boards along the
walkway were warped, cracked or completely broken. All this evidence to show that the owner
didn’t care for His property at all! Not even enough to repair nor upkeep the
walkway that kept intruders off of his “precious” dunes. Who did this guy think He was, anyway?
It’s settled. No way was I walking that treacherous path in
exchange for a comfortable jaunt through soft sand for someone who couldn’t even
manage the upkeep of a simple sign, much less an entire boardwalk.
I hunched my shoulders, re-furrowed my brow and rebelliously
began walking into the dunes. A plodded
along, defiantly stomping my feet into the sugary comfort of the unbeaten
path. Slowly, I began to realize that
each step was becoming more and more difficult.
I had become so upset that I was defying some silly worn sign that the
fact that my journey had become exponentially more comfortable was completely
lost on my senses. I stopped. I prayed.
I am made to be obedient. I
exhaled, loudly, more a sigh of frustration.
I looked to the sky.
“Thank you,” I said.
I made an about-face, walked purposefully from the comfort
of the dunes and back to the mouth of the boardwalk and stood directly in front
of the sign.
Please Keep off the
Dunes and Beach Grass
Thank you
I raised my eyebrows. I hadn’t noticed that before. I fixed my gaze
back up to the boardwalk and considered the journey in front of me. I observed that there weren’t quite that many missing boards, and if I were
diligent enough, I could certainly avoid the nails and would I really even NEED
the railing? The actual path was wide
enough to maintain my balance and if I did happen to fall I could easily climb
back on. Surely the owner could excuse a few footprints if I were honestly
trying my best to maintain on the walkway.
Determined, I straightened my shoulders. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my back
as I began my first steps.
I smiled. The realization washed over me; Obedience is key
to my happiness.
