“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Cousteau
“God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:20-21
Dear friends,
I learned a new word the other day….thalassophile. It comes from the Greek words “thalassa” meaning “sea” and “philia” meaning “love.” So a thalassophile is someone who loves the sea, the ocean. And I am happy to report that I am a thalassophile!
These past few weeks have been a restorative, lovely time with family and friends by the sea. We waded (and even swam in COLD water), walked the rocky Pacific beaches, delighted in watching the sea otters just off shore as they feed and tend their sea pups, and we marveled at the surfers braving enormous waves during the King Tides of mid-January.
The constant motion of the water, the drama of the waves, and the glimpses of fellow creatures – birds of the air, fish of the sea – living in and by the sea are always a reminder to me of God’s power and care in Creation. The world God creates is bigger, more mysterious, wonderful and even terrifying, than we can see with our own eyes. My faith is strengthened and my heart is opened when I know each creature, like each of us, to be wonderfully and lovingly made by God.
As we finish out the season of Epiphany and head toward Lent and the Cross, may we each be moved by the power of God–in nature, in Scripture, in the revealing of Jesus to be the Lord of all, in the beauty and blessings of our life together as God’s people here at Trinity Church.
Your friend and thalassophile!
Nancy+
Chapel Chats: Your clergy love to hear from you and welcome the opportunity to talk on the Chapel Porch, inside, or come to you for a visit. Please reach out to Rev. Nancy or Fr. CJ to set up a conversation. 978-369-3715