Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BEACH (09/01/22)
-
TITLE: Daily Cleaning | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Fahy
09/07/22 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
A colony of seagulls jab with their beaks at the sand for breakfast. Others sit on the porch rails of homes that line the beach. It’s as if they are standing guard over the other birds.
The beach cleanup starts at 8 AM and runs until 12 noon. I enjoy walking on the beach early in the morning. It’s quiet and the salt air invigorates my mind, body and spirit. I have been a part of the International Beach Clean-up for about six years. I worked my way up from carrying a trash bag in one hand, poker in the other, rubber gloves, and a card and pencil to record my findings. This is the second year I will be at the temporary headquarters on Main Beach.
Roger, the coordinator of the cleanup, and I will set up tables and set out free literature. The literature informs people of the importance of a clean beach and clean ocean and its contribution to a clean ecosystem. Various groups join in on the clean-up. High school students wanting to earn community credit. Local shop owners will roll up their sleeves to help in the cleanup. Clients from the local rehab will be on the beach giving their assistance
People begin to gather around the headquarter tables to pick up the equipment that they’re going to be using. Some people work the entire four hours while others work one or two hours. No matter how long people work, it is appreciated by those of us who care for a clean beach and ocean. People walking along the boardwalk will stop and inquire what we are doing. We explain our mission and hand them brochures hoping to educate them. Some will even grab a bag and pitch in.
Time flies and we start to break down our headquarters and take the trash bags to the dumpster which the city trucks will pick up later. I won’t see some of the people I worked with at HQ until next year but it’s always a pleasant time to meet with them again. We believe that we’re doing something not only for this generation but for generations to come.
After everything is packed up, I head back to our hotel to meet my wife. I know by this time she will be on the beach waiting for me. I pass people laying under umbrellas. People listening to music or a football game. The laughter of children fills the air the aroma of suntan lotion is strong. The sun is warm on my skin and I am about ready to take a dip.
There is a small group of people on the water’s edge. Three dolphins have caught their attention. The dolphins emerge from the water and glide effortlessly through the air and submerge. People ohh and ahh as they take in Nature’s beautiful sight.
Wandering along the beach the next morning, I noticed trash scattered about. The same type of debris that was picked up yesterday cigarette butts, plastic water bottles, empty candy boxes and paper. It looks as if we never cleaned God’s garden. A thought came to me isn’t my heart similar to a garden? What am I dropping into it? Am I abusing my garden by filling it with trash just as these people are abusing the beach?
Just as I picked up the trash on the beach, I should be ridding the trash in my heart. As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” NKJV
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.