Sea Turtle Life
Early this year I encountered sea turtles on the rocky and sandy shores of Hawaii. They symbolized freedom and grace as they lightly floated towards the shore bobbing their heads for air when needed. Every day they would come ashore slowly, purposefully to rest together. They ambled in moving ahead with their fins, nudging each other from behind leaving a pattern in the sand behind them. Daytime seemed to be a time of rest.
I related to these amazing creations of God. Psalm 104:25 says “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.”
There is so much mystery in the sea. Even though the sea represents the unknown, chaos, and darkness in the scriptures it also brings awe and a picture of God’s greatness. Flying over the massive Pacific Ocean and standing at the seashore brought me to awe and wonder at the size and the countless creatures and life within. Mystery, yes, but surety that the God I know is big and able to handle whatever comes my way.
I felt the freedom of the sea turtle in our travels by the sea. I could sit on the sand knowing God was giving me a place to rest and play. Blue waters, ocean spray, and warm breezes were my home away from home. My heart longed for this time of spaciousness in a place unlike my midwest home with big skies, straight roads, and flat farmlands that stretch out for mile after mile. Watching the horizon and sunsets are one of my favorite ways to meet with God no matter the location. So while away I looked at the sunrises and sunsets on a very different horizon which settled my heart and soul.
Throughout our time away, I continued to see more turtles in different beaches, in the coral tidepools, and rocks. I noticed how they seemed to live with purpose. Like the turtles, I thought about my purpose. This is a question that I ponder and ask God about regularly. What do you have for me today? Where do I swim freely and lightly like the turtle? Where am I restless? Saint Augustine says, “You stir us to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
After almost 30 years of meaningful work in the church, I have moved into a new chapter of life as a spiritual director. As I adjust, I feel like I’m ambling freely like one of the turtles that I saw swimming back and forth along the coastline to the rocks. The turtle was resting in its purpose to be and do exactly what God made it for. When I feel this way, God has reminded me to float and rest easy for a while. He will carry me as I rest into a different rhythm.
As everything comes to life this spring, I would like to offer you a practice of noticing called Visio Divina. To borrow words from Bette Dickenson, a prophetic artist, “Visio Divina is Latin for ‘divine seeing.’ It is a way of reflecting on a piece of art, an image, or a scene in nature as a form of prayer.”1
We take time to notice what God is bringing to our attention, what feelings come to the surface, questions, and a prayer that rises in your heart. This happens all within a short walk, gazing out the window at the scene in front of you, or viewing a piece of art. Maybe this time will draw you to pray for someone in your life. It could also take you to a message from God’s word, or a prompt or nudge to take a step of faith.
As a spiritual director, I’ve learned that sometimes prayer and daily time with God can feel dry and lifeless. Notice, because this is when God is calling you deeper. You don't have to go on a trip to practice noticing and visio divina. You can do it right now in your ordinary day.
Here are a few simple steps:
If it helps set a timer for each step. Start with 1-2 minutes each and see what happens.
Visio (Look): Gaze upon the scene or image, noting details that stand out.
Meditate (Reflect): What draws your attention? What feelings are stirred inside you? What do you hear God saying?
Pray: Write or say a prayer that rises in your heart.
Contemplate (Rest): Pause and rest in God’s presence receiving his love for you. Breathe in and out and thank God for the life and breath he gives.
Act: Consider next steps to take with God and with others.
A few questions for you to ponder or journal:
Where do I swim freely and lightly like the turtle? What does resting in God look like for me?
Where am I restless? What will I surrender?
What new practice could I add to my daily rhythm with God?
Blessings + Peace,
Mary
1 From Prophetic Art Visio Divina cards by Bette Dickenson, www.bettedickinson.com