In life we tend to fall into a natural rhythm. Our daily living, habits and lifestyle, affect our body and overtime sync together guiding our way through life. The result isn’t always a healthy outcome.
Along the way we need to expect disruption and setbacks. Disrupting life’s natural rhythm isn’t a bad thing because a shake-up can lead to a much needed reset.
The Disruption of My Vacation
Normally a torrential downpour and nighttime kayaking are not conducive to exploring a foreign body of water. But as I lean into the boat to propel myself forward the paddles start to glow lighting the path for others to follow.
The heavier the rain the more illuminated the water that surrounds me. Each kayaker drenched in rainwater having an experience only made more memorable from the weather.
It wasn’t only the rain that fell into our favor during our tour but the moon. The light of the moon should have guided our path, but with the waning of the moon it barely shed any light. These two elements worked together to not disrupt our experience.
Vieques’ Mosquito Bay is known for it’s nightly light show, illuminating the miracles of life. It is the brightest of all bioluminescent bays in the world. A title that made the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a must see in Puerto Rico.
Environmental disruptions can lead to the growth of organisms.
The island of Vieques boast (2006) 700,000 microscopic organisms occurring in every gallon of water. These creatures are a tiny single-celled organism called Pyrodinium bahamense. They are luminescent dinoflagellates that reside in the Caribbean Sea. A chemical reaction takes place when the molecule releases oxygen, resulting in a bright glow.
Scooping up a handful of water and sprinkling it onto the legs results in a magical display of diamonds adorning the body.
Following hurricane Maria, 2017, mother nature’s destruction pummeled the island. The majority of the mangroves that flank the bay were destroyed so there was concern for the habitat of the organisms.
Mother nature did not disappoint, even following the destruction of the trees, there was a steady increase in abundance of organisms. Mother nature’s wrath actually promoted growth of the organisms that have been around since prehistoric times.
Questioning the Phenomenon
That night as I sat listening to the tour guide, I had so many questions. I don’t think I will ever truly understand the organism itself, the chemical reaction, and the science behind the growth from destruction.
Most of life (actually all of life) is beyond my comprehension. I seem to do better with blind faith and knowing that whatever my purpose is in life, God’s will will be done.
This is not to say that I don’t believe we should be mindful of the environment that surrounds us. We are to be stewards of God’s creation. To fully appreciate His beauty I prefer a clean environment and strive to do my part.
Questioning What We Don’t Understand
Frustrations of Life
I stop questioning so much in life, simply because, much of life didn’t make sense to me. My frustrations contributed to abusing alcohol. Our world, comprised of the people in it, seems to have their own agenda.
When my eldest daughter lived at our beach home she started volunteering for an organization called Surfrider. She would spend time cleaning the trash off the beaches and there were times I accompanied her. This time followed the biggest disruption in my life.
Our relationship was tenuous during the time of my addiction. This precious time together picking up trash was an opportunity to rebuilt a broken mother/daughter relationship. I am no longer a frustrated mother, but a mother that can accept my daughters for where they are in life.
Going with the Rhythm of Life
During active addiction I was a selfish person, not choosing to understand other people’s perspective on life. Why would someone be so obsessed with our environment? I still do lots of questioning, but at least my questions are coming from a healthy place.
The result not only am I building healthy relationships, but I try and do my part for the environment. The place I call home sits on the Assawoman Lagoon in Maryland. The water is the natural habitat to thousands of creatures. It’s hard to fathom the life that exist within my own backyard.
I am starting to think outside myself and see the world differently. Building a relationship with Christ is humbling. My approach may not be for everyone but I am learning to let go and let God. He gives me the resources I need to do my part. I stopped questioning and started trusting.
Growth From What We Can’t Comprehend
I am learning to trust. No longer do I try to control an environment that isn’t mine to control. This practice grounds me to the Earth and my biblical teachings set a firm foundation for growth.
My Rhythm Being Disrupted On Vacation
A friend invited me to her island home in Puerto Rico. The intent was to have a working-writing vacation. My focus was to get to know my subscribers and followers on Substack and research book publishing.
The natural rhythm of my writing life was disrupted because my daughter joined my trip, turning it into more of a vacation. I started to lose focus on the book I had written, even interfering with a zoom meeting I had with a perspective publisher.
The weight of life in vacation-work balance is my solution to making the most of my trip.
This problem demonstrates my need to be present while on vacation, not focused so much on meeting my writing goals. When we are present in life, we can really start to grow.
The Answer is Evident—Life is meant to be disrupted.
Since, I wasn’t fully prepared and not able to focus my attention for my meeting with the publisher, I found myself caught of guard. Questions she asked me led me to dig deeper into my writing and reevaluate my goals.
Although I don’t think I presented myself well during our interview, she requested to look at my manuscript and for me to send it to her submission team. In the end I will benefit, no matter what the outcome of the meeting.
This experience helps me to grow as a writer. Life’s interruptions give us time to pause and reflect. With a clear head, not one poisoned by an alcoholic mind, I will continue to grow in all areas of my life.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NLT
Trying to find balance between writing and family is something I struggle with. For now, I try to write this weekly blog and work on my manuscript when I can. I don’t feel very productive, but I remind myself, I am writing. I’m trusting God in this journey. Thank you for your wise words.
i appreciate what you said about the addicted mind not caring about the environment. it's hard for me to understand the lack of empathy in the world at large. when i think of how i believe that most people are addicted in some way to something, (doesn't have to be drugs or alcohol, just checking out/numbing in other ways) it makes me understand more of why it seems like so many people can't empathize with universal suffering.