Ebbs and Flows of Life

“Ebbs and flows” is an idiom that refers to the natural rhythm of life and the continuous change that is inherent in it. It means that things constantly change and that there are times when things are on the rise and other times when they are on the decline. ~grammarly.com

Ebb is the movement of the tide back to the sea. Flow is the sea returning to the shore. The two work together to make the ocean complete.

I told my friend about a time in the mid 90’s when I went on cruise to the Bahamas. We were on a very small ship and for the majority of the trip we encountered 7 ft. waves. While I stood at the bow of the ship people asked to photograph me because my long hair blew straight back in the intense wind.

The crew moved us to the belly of the ship to discuss the Bahamian culture and money exchange. But it quickly got very hot down there. My guess is that close to 95% of the tourists began throwing up. We made our way out of that place, watching every step we took to avoid vomit. We made sure not to touch a single rail either because it was everywhere. Even on the edge and side of the ship. It was very difficult to walk around the puke, especially on the stairs, while not touching anything to steady yourself on that wild roller coaster ride. We made our way up to the dining room, away from the sounds and the putrid smells of vomit, sawdust, and Lysol, and the four of us ate. It kept us from getting sick.

A few days later as we were getting ready to head back to Florida, I felt a wooziness come over me. So much in fact, I thought the ship had already set sail. But when I looked out a window I saw we were still docked. I thought that was very odd. Once we did set sail, the sea was as calm as glass. It shimmered in the moonlight. Breathtakingly, beautiful.

But that woozy sensation didn’t ease. In fact, I had trouble with balance and wooziness for two months after the trip. On dry land, I sported sea legs. It was quite unpleasant.

Life is full of ebbs and flows. And some days are 7 ft. wave and vomit days, while others are calm and beautiful. Still the two forces intertwine with one another. We found calm in the dining room during that treacherous journey. And then when I was home in the calm, I was overwhelmed with wooziness.

I guess it is about coming to terms with life and its challenges. Which can be quite difficult at times.

Many situations, and even people, come our way that we simply don’t understand. We ask ourselves, why is everything so complicated? Why do we allow minor things to become major incidents which can then ruin a whole day?

Our lives are rarely just stationary. We are riding the waves. We experience ebbs and flows. Good with the bad. Negative with the positive. Simple with the complicated. It all works together.

God didn’t promise us a life without struggles, pain, or tears. What would the sea be without its ebbs and flows? Without the wind and waves? Sunshine and rain? We need it all for balance, growth, and fulfillment. And we need God to help us make sense of it all.

God didn’t say life would be easy but he did say he wouldn’t leave those who love him. I am trusting in him to help me to always envision the bigger picture rather than focusing on the meaningless trials of this moment.

Before getting caught up in the ugliness of a situation, I suggest questions to ask oneself. Is this really important in the scheme of things? How important is it to God? Will this cause needless pain to another?

Patience, compassion, love for one another. That’s what’s truly important. ♥️

Andi

Photos: all from Maine, 2017 and 2019