By Larry Smith with photos by Carol Smith
Carol and I walked down the beach, and for the first time in a while I felt carefree, safe from life itself.
Getting older was not what I had expected it to be. With the reduced income after retirement, managing finances was more difficult. Age had brought to me a decline in energy and stamina and general health. And then there were the unexpected, unanticipated things that seemed to keep popping up and creating burdens and hardships.
The beach was crowded but we continued down the shoreline, walking into the setting sun along with many others who walked before us and behind us. It was gloriously beautiful to watch as rich, fiery colors began to form and overtake the blue sky. The gulf waters warmed our toes and then receded back into the Gulf to merge with seemingly endless liquid emerald waves.
But as we walked a different ocean of waves crept into my mind. The beauty and calmness of our surroundings began to fade out, replaced by my fears and feelings of uncertainty. I thought to myself: “This beach trip is so awesome, but I fear it is costing more than we need to spend.” And there was a little voice in the back of my mind saying: “I know I must be getting behind on my work.” As the fearful thoughts continued, I worried about Carol’s next doctor appointment, my own health issues and battling the cutthroat traffic on the drive home. Seemingly never-ending turbulent waves flooded my mind and made me feel as if I was drowning.
The feeling of Carol’s hand in mine brought me back to the beach and out of my foggy revelry. “God, is this how old age is going to be?” I prayed desperately. “Everything in life seems treacherous, and I feel so fearful and weak. What am I to do?”
The magnificent sun continued to sink on the horizon as we walked. I tried to push the gloomy thoughts away and just pay attention to Carol’s presence beside me and the beauty of nature all around us.
Taking a break from walking, we stood at the edge of the water and felt the rhythmic movement of the tide wash over our feet. Several seagulls flew by and came close to where we were standing. One of them flew right over our heads and cried out as if speaking to us. What was he saying? As if in interpretation, a quote from the bible came into my mind: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10).”
The gull flew swiftly away, and as he glided into the sunset he cried out again. A reminder of what I have always known but had lately forgotten popped into my mind: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)”
“Thank you, Lord,” I prayed silently, realizing that he had heard my prayer, spoke to me and allowed me to feel His presence.
The fears and negative thoughts lost their power and began to fade away. It really is true I thought to myself, reciting another verse in my mind: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).”
How wonderful it was to be out here with the love of my life. How good it was to know that she loved me and I loved her. How wonderful it was for us to know that God loved us and that our love for each other and all the beauty around us and every good thing in our lives was the work of His hand.
His love is perfect and everlasting. By His love we are saved, by His love we are rescued, by His love we are healed.
Carol and I watched as the sun finally disappeared below the horizon. In the distance the seagulls were still visible, silhouettes against the fading light. The soothing Gulf water swirled deliciously around our feet.
We held each other as we walked back to our apartment without a care in the world. There was no fear in love. For perfect love had cast out the fear (John 4:18).”
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2nd Timothy 1:7 NLT).
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…(1st Corinthians 14:33 KJV).
© 2026 by Carol and Larry Smith
