COOLING MY HEELS
It was the week before the Fourth and I was cooling my heels, literally, where the west coast sand soaks up the Pacific. It was late, the sunset a distant memory. The stars burst brilliant, the Big and Little Dipper looked like, if I got a good running jump, I might be able to grab ’em by the handles.
The night-time ocean air was beginning to drape the coastal community like God was spreading a damp and invisible blanket for an angelic game of Beach Blanket Bingo. It was well past bedtime, but it was one of those nights that was just too magical to spend with your eyes slammed shut.
The night settled around my shoulders like a poncho as I watched the world at night. The temperature was so perfect, the closest cricket, usually in a hurry to pound out his high-pitched song, sounded deeper than normal, almost like a bull frog and about the same cadence.
I drank in the night with my eyes. I listened to the sounds of nature’s most magnificent symphony. I inhaled the night like it was magic, as if it would somehow become part of me, to help me recall the specialness of a night, of a day, of a week, of a year, of a lifetime in a place I happened to be born into blessings beyond my comprehension. A place where people fought, risked their lives, sometimes coming out on the short end of the stick… and life.
Those folks fought for loved ones, for freedom, for a way of life that included religious freedoms for me and anyone else, for that matter, to be able to speak freely without fear of wrongful punishment.
image courtesy of photo bucket.com
History doesn’t lie, people do, but history won’t. Every single nation on earth that has served God as a nation has been richly blessed. The others that turn their back on Him… have fallen.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.
I’m thankful for a nation where I can share my thoughts, dreams, and desires… as I’m cooling my heels. Happy 4th of July, friend. May we be restored, and may God Bless America.
Sunday, July 3, 2016 @ 5:31 pm
Amen! Have a blessed 4th!
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 11:27 am
Beautiful tribute.
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 5:25 pm
And we are blessed to be able to read your insights, Floyd. Thanks for sharing!
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 5:56 pm
I’ve spent some idyllic nights myself at the Pacific Ocean. Some magical nights swimming in the moonlight, some campfires on the shore. There is something rather wonder-full about being at the beach. And I agree with you, Floyd, this country is still the best place to be. I also pray that we have a revival of faith, and a strong return to the Lord. HE is the One who has blessed us.
GOD BLESS!
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 8:02 pm
“May we be restored”. YES! It is the cry of my heart! God help us. Happy 4th of July to you and your family, brother. God bless you all.
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 8:04 pm
Oh, I love our nation too, from sea to shining sea. I can feel the beautiful night you described like I was the one resting on the shore. I enjoyed your peaceful thoughts and powerful message to our nation to remain free and blessed by the Lord. Funny, I put your ending scripture verse on my Facebook page this morning! Like minds.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 @ 6:55 am
Good thoughts Floyd! Those who love the most fight for those whom they love and are willing to give their life. My brother-in-law give his life in 2006 in Iraq. I think about that often and the blessing America is to me even living here in Ukraine.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 @ 10:40 am
Love this!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 @ 1:35 pm
Since I’ve been in several nations, including ours, much has changed too easily and too often. I study the history, see a lot of the people, and worship and pray for the Lord. That’s all I can do and know there are many who have come to the Lord even though their nation has not allowed it. Anyhow, our world is in really difficult situations now. I’m grateful that the Lord will remind us and let us do things and bring us to Heaven in wonderful and strongly blessed way. Thank you for sharing this wonderfully, Bro. [AND sorry if I can’t recognize and read as well, but my brain ain’t working very well now. But I always think of you!!!]
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 @ 4:01 pm
Your words are poetry in motion as you cool your heels in the Pacific Ocean. I was reminded as a young girl my mother took us to the World’s Fair on Treasure Island. There we viewed a Patriotic rendition of how our Flag and our National Anthem came to be. My heart swelled with pride that I lived in the great USA. I am still proud to be called a Christian and an American. That kind of “pride” is okay.
I like how you ended your post: “History doesn’t lie, people do, but history won’t. Every single nation on earth that has served God as a nation has been richly blessed. The others that turn their back on Him … have fallen.” “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” We are so blessed to be able to cool our heels here in America. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a True Story.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 @ 9:38 am
Absolutely. Ready to see a great revival for our nation where we reclaim our heritage and serve the Holy One. Thankful for His provision of a country in which we can enjoy such freedoms. Thanks Floyd and happy belated 4th. 🙂
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 @ 2:31 pm
Floyd,
Thank you for this beautiful tribute and reminder to be thankful. Many blessings to you and yours 🙂
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 @ 6:14 pm
Amen, Floyd. I read somewhere recently, “God has already blessed America, may God restore America!” Truth, that. Hope you had a great weekend!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 @ 10:48 pm
Wow brother, you said it much better then I ever could. Just reading your post makes me want to stand up, put my hand on my heart and sing, God Bless America, Land that I love………………………………….
I understand why soldiers get on their knees and kiss the dirt or tarmac when their feet hit the ground. I have lived in several place where being an American is dangerous. When we were in Bolivia we would put our American flag up in the back yard, not our front yard, so not to cause problems with rebels that could be near. Our flag does that , it draws attention, it should. I remember once being caught in a riot while in the city of Santa Cruz. College students were mad because the US had dropped some of the financial aid given to students. A few were beating on the taxi cab myself, my daughter and a friend was in. I can tell you for sure I was plenty scared. Praise God, an alley opened and that dear cab driver who was hauling around three white American ladies took his chance and got us out of there. People all over the world either want what we have, freedom or want to shut down our freedom. They either love us or hate us. It will never change either till Jesus comes. Good job Floyd, good job on writing a tribute to our country and your feelings along with those of us who read your post, good job.
Thursday, July 7, 2016 @ 4:35 pm
Great creative prose, Floyd. I loved the line “The night-time ocean air was beginning to drape the coastal community like God was spreading a damp and invisible blanket for an angelic game of Beach Blanket Bingo.” Very visual. Hope you had a good 4th.