The local beach, Christmas Day. Sarah and Erin.

The rain is back in Southern Maine this morning, but this shot is from our short walk on the beach on Christmas Day.

It is only in winter that I realize how far north we are in Maine. The mid-day shadows are so long. The sun glances off and you have to stand in it for minutes to begin to feel its warmth. Even the waves and footprints on the beach are molded with shadow. And the sea itself is churned to froth and foam, white sea butter on the beach, by the winter storm just past…the storm that stills sits on the horizon to the north. Here, two of my daughters are caught trying to catch the scene. Sarah shields her eyes against the light reflected from the sea. It is so clear you can see Cape Arundel on the horizon ten miles north, past both Great Head and Lords Point. Even without snow there is no mistaking the Maine’s north winter light.

And it was Christmas day, when, if you let the spirit in, we are all family…all family with all that lives…everyone and everything…embraced in the love of the creator made real in flesh. We are all caught, figures in the foreground in winter light, trying to take in the glory of creation, the churning sea of being and meaning…while being touched by it, molded by it, reminded that we are part of it…one with it…included, embraced, cherished, free. Free to enjoy, to rejoice, to celebrate…to walk on the beach in winter light and share the love.

Like these words themselves, it might not quite make sense…but the meaning is unmistakable.

Happy Sunday!