Lounging on the beach I looked up just in time to see a flock of seagulls pass overhead. I studied them for quite a distance and for the first time noticed that they all flapped and then “coasted” simultaneously. I couldn’t remember ever noticing birds coast before! How graceful to watch them float on the air current.

Watching them made me think of coasting when riding my bike. Peddling leads to that wind-in-your face time of taking your feet off and just coasting. If it’s been a particularly difficult climb to the point you can coast it is an especially welcome rest.

I wondered if the seagulls felt a sense of rest and relief as they coasted. And I wondered if they are soaring when they flap or when they coast.

Isaiah 40:31 came to mind as I wondered … but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Lounging in the beach chase on the white Gulf of Mexico sand was renewing to me. But I wanted to be soaring. And then I thought of all the times I have felt so in sync with God’s will for my day that it felt as if I was soaring. Those are special days.