There are days when you just have to say, this is good. No, no, that’s not it. It’s more that there are days when you know this one is more than good. The sun is still high in the sky even at 5:00. The breeze coming off the Pacific is gentle and lovely, while the ocean temperature is a warmish 66°. You know you will dive in eventually, but for now you walk along with your feet in the surf, taking in every hue of blue you see. You exhale. You say thank you.

Pelicans draw my attention higher than the horizon: flying in formation they dip down and rise up in unison, as if of one mind. I stand watching them in joyous amazement, always, regardless of what is going on down below, I am mesmerized by their flight.

Some days I arrive at the beach with so much on my mind. Stuff that feels heavy. Stuff from far back or way way ahead. Stuff that no longer matters or may never ever materialize. With my feet sinking into the wet sand most of that stuff lets go of its grip. The waves pound. The spray strikes my skin with an invitation to let it all go. Time to dive in.

Is there anything better that playing in the waves? Riding the crest right onto the sand and running straight back in again? Surrender is followed by joy. Who could not be delighted and grateful for all this?