This Heavenly Place
‘Tis a fine coastal morning on the upper left edge of Oregon, where gray December skies are holding sway against the glowing light of dawn. As I stroll along the shore, my Muck boots settle with each step into squishy, surf-washed sands. White-feathered gulls screech overhead like clarions of Eos, the goddess of a new day. Rolling waves end their journey in swirls around each step that I take. Dewy drops trickle off my slicker, dripping back into the sea. Stopping for a moment, I stare toward the distant hills of silhouetted trees atop a mist-shrouded headland. I relish this heavenly moment by letting the peace of this place that I call home enfold me in its drizzly delight.
Peace comes easily in this heavenly place, especially in the winter months when gray becomes my favorite color. Its many hues wash across the sky and tint the surging waves. An unseen horizon of steel-blue waters blends with silvery heavens. I feel at ease on this indistinct shore between land and sea. When I wander it alone under dawn’s muted light, I have no thought of the morrow, for past steps are washed away and the future is yet to be walked. There is only the peaceful moment.
Before Covid, at noon on Saturdays, a small group gathered at Whale Park in Cannon Beach to staunchly display a weathered sign that read: Say Yes to Peace. Most who drove by either waved or flashed the peace sign. A few honk their car horns in support. There were people on foot who would smile, then quickly look away. Some joined the group, spilling out their personal tales. One gentleman once declared that war is the answer. Those who stopped from the near-by Christian Conference Center offered up the peace they find in Jesus Christ. Those who held the sign spoke of peace from within.
Peace is a personal thing. It nestles inside us as a warm glow that makes right our tribulations and brings forth comfort to ease our weariness. It offers solace when all seems lost and brightens the day under overcast skies. It is the Christmas Story of being wrapped in swaddling clothes, serene in the moment. Such serenity is looked upon in wonder, by shepherds and kings alike, because the child in the manger reflects the peace we wish to hold. Peace held in heart sets the stage for better living.
I live in a world of my own making. I share it with a beautiful soul who is my partner in life. Together we form a union in this heavenly place that we call home. She and I lead a peaceful life that we share in unity with others who enter our circle. Peace flows from our hearts. To live in peace is a very personal matter. It comes from within, not from the conditions of life. To stand in awe of something might bring peace at the time, but such events cannot be relied on. To hold peace of heart always is a great challenge, but I try to feel its presence in all situations. I found that it is not in the world waiting, so wherever I am I make of peace what I can.
The long, gray shadows of coastal living eventually give way to sunshine. Winter is lost in memories and Spring’s blessings await. To be in this heavenly place is to be at peace with both winter gray and sunshine yellow. Peace of heart in all situations is the heavenly place within that I call home.