William Shakespeare wrote in "Loves Lost Labour"
"As true we are as flesh and blood can be:
The sea will ebb and flow."
Ebb and flow is the flowing out and in of the tide. The physical happening of water flowing in and out. The wave "flows" into the beach and then "ebbs" back out into the vast waters of the ocean. The movement causes changes to the shore in small and sometimes in large ways.
There are sea shells left deposited for wondering eyes to search out and treasure. Gentle layers of sand are slowly shaped and carried back out to sea. It is a constant and almost imperceptible change.
There are then the major events in which a strong storm surge violently attacks the beach front. Wide swaths of beach are reclaimed by the sea, sand castles destroyed and the landscape changed forever.
Our lives and those around us are impacted by the 'ebb and flow' of connections between each of us. Our daily life with family and friends are constantly being affected by relational ebb and flow. Our words and actions that may seem mundane have a long term affect. We either leave small jewels of goodness or take away in a selfish manner. The 'beach' we have established with another person can change over time.
At times there may be a large storm within those relationships where lives can be turned upside down. Homes can be destroyed and the landscape of our existence can change forever.
If you build a strong base and take care of it, the home (relationship) can remain standing even after the storm subsides. It is for us to understand the 'ebb and flow' that is occurring in our own life. By doing so, we can strengthen the foundation of our connections with others. In turn, when a storm comes along, we are better prepared to overcome the fury.
"As true we are as flesh and blood can be: the sea will ebb and flow."
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