Mark and I are here in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, a beautiful place on the Outer Banks. I’m sitting on the balcony of my hotel, enjoying the peacefulness and vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. I’m watching people meander along the sand in both directions; friends, sisters; mother and daughter, retired couple, who just now reached out to hold hands. There is a peacefulness here that I only find when I go to the temple. I think it’s because it’s a connection that is so much larger than myself; the ocean to me has always represented eternity. And nature always seems to be testifying of God. They know their Creator, better, I believe, than most humans. Right now I’m watching large black birds soar across the water, and occasionally one of them will dive into the water to attack its prey. Something they have always done since the creation of the world.
I love the sound of the roaring surf; I love that these strangers love the ocean as I do. I’m so grateful that I know the purpose of life, but I wish I could share it with more people. I wish I could let all the world know and understand why we are here; that it’s not just about getting by each day, but that they ARE loved, and there IS life after this, and through repentance and belief on the Savior it can be a very JOYOUS life after this. Of that I have no doubt.
