Riza Fortuna

I love bodies of water. Last Saturday, our family had our summer outing in a beach and I had a great relaxing time.

It has been a long time since I just "got lost" in the midst of the sea. I can barely remember when was the last time I was on the beach. Last Saturday was a real treat especially for my exhausted body and spirit.

I have been "on the run" the past couple of months. Aside from traveling for work, I was also coping with the demands of my new life in China. I did not realize I was already almost "out of gas".

This vacation time in the Philippines is a much needed break for me. If I were a vehicle or machine, this is my "refueling and maintenance" time. I am just glad to be home at this point. The outing at the beach was one of the highlights. There I was able to truly recharge.

I enjoyed the moment in the middle of the sea. I like the feel of the sea water, and more so I love the feeling of just "getting lost" for a while. I savored the moment thinking nothing, doing nothing (except of course to make sure I stay afloat).

The weather was nicely sunny, the water was peaceful even with a few waves, and the scenery was refreshing. It was perfect for a time to be still, a time to savor the water, to feel the sun, see the greens and blue skies. It was also a time just to thank God.

I realize however that I am called to be still not only during that day in the beach. In general, I am called to be still at this point in my life. Being still means to just let go and let God do His wonderful work in my life. I am such an action person, but this time, I just have to relax and enjoy.

As I go back to work in a couple of days, I want to continue to savor the nice feeling of water around me. I want to wear a relaxed spirit despite coping with multiple demands and great challenges of my job. I want to continue to enjoy even when the environment may present lots of stresses. This sounds ironic and hardly possible. But I trust the Holy Spirit to be with me all the way.

Tomorrow, I will do my most important refueling - I will spend a date with God in a personal day of prayer in Tagaytay. This time, I will not be in the sea but will climb the hill to listen to God; to be still and savor His presence. I look forward to a relaxing date with the Lord.