I live about 15 miles from the beach. Beaches, actually. Some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. At Coronado Beach, the sand actually sparkles. At La Jolla, seals and sea lions lay on the rocky walls, barking at visitors. Imperial has a long pier that takes the beach-goer out over the ocean without even having to get wet. 
I’m thinking about that this morning because we’re heading to the beach in a couple hours. Not sure which one. But it’s Spring Break, and I realized that I haven’t been in months. Like six months. Maybe more. And I live FIFTEEN miles away. It’s shameful, I know. Those of you who don’t live near beaches probably think it’s criminal of me. I know when we go, we’ll see people who have driven hundreds of miles, flown thousands, just to get in a few days at the beach. And here I am, able to go anytime, and I let half a year go by without a visit.
While it’s pretty pathetic that I take for granted living near these world-class beaches, I realize there are far more important spiritual blessings that I take for granted, as well. I take for granted that I can talk to God any time I want. I take for granted that I can know Him, through His word. I take for granted that I have the freedom to meet with other believers, to talk about Him and hear what He is doing in others’ lives.
There’s no sin in taking for granted living near the beach, though whenever I go, I realize how much I love the sights and smells there, the reminder of how huge our world is and how creative our God. But there is sin in taking for granted my relationship with God, for allowing time to pass without talking to Him, listening to Him, sharing Him with others. Because He is so near, I can put God off — postpone time with Him because I have other things to do. But, friends, what can be more important than talking to and listening to our Father? He gives peace and joy and wisdom and hope. He is air and bread and water. We are here for His glory, and we are created for His pleasure. When we live for ourselves, forgetting Who He is, neglecting time with Him, we miss out on the abundant life that is only found in abiding in Him.
So, though I enjoy the beach, and I really will try to go more often, I can’t allow myself to treat the Creator of the Universe the same way I treat His creation.
“but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jn. 4:14
