When you’re thirsty, where do you drink?

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re-new-al
[noun]
     1. The conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation
     2. filling again by supplying what has been used up
     3. the act of restoring something or someone to a satisfactory state

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I need a refill.
I come here to fill up.

Step through this door... 

...into this world.

               His world.

Unpainted toenails dig deep into sand. Not white, powdered-sugar Gulf sand, but 100% whole-grain, speckled Atlantic sand. I press in hard.

The Lord booms so loudly, I can’t remember the words I planned to say. My agenda becomes lost in His.

He speaks,
“I am Strength. I am Beauty. I am Grace.
I AM who I AM.”

               I AM IN AWE.

Like every kid on the beach—each of us—I see the shells.
And I see the feathers.

He sustains them all. Every one of us.

I smell the salt in His breath.
His fresh gale is so powerful I needn’t inhale—He breathes through me.

We walk.
How far?
How long?

I don’t number my steps.
He knows.
               Just enough. Always enough.

I thank Him for the old—it was blessed.
I cry with Him for the new—it has come.

I see Him. I delight in Him. I let Him love.

I am full. 
Renewal has come.

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Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert
...to give drink to my chosen people,

the people whom I formed for myself that
they might declare my praise.

Isaiah 43:18-21

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More on renewal at the one word at a time blog carnival.

I am always renewed at the beach.  What special place renews you?