CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON -- The Moral of the Story

“Nothing with God can be accidental.”

-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Though different people and events appear or occur during the day that

cause me to pray, there are certain prayers I say daily. I confess that

many of my prayers are selfish. One prayer is for health and safety for

my family and friends.

Though I am dedicated to prayers of protection at the beginning of the

day, I realized lately that I don’t thank God enough for His faithfulness

at the end of the day.

Last Friday, our daughter Kelly and her friend Curt decided to go

swimming at Big Corona in Newport Beach. Kelly asked me if I’d like to

come. I loved being invited by the younger generation, plus I love

swimming, especially in the ocean.

We met up with Curt, parked and headed to the beach. It was a

picture-perfect day, and the water was wonderfully warm. Curt teased us

about wearing wetsuits, but I like the extra warmth, plus psychologically

I feel more protected, especially when I accidentally swim into seaweed.

“I feel so much safer today than last time I swam with you, Curt,”

Kelly said while walking into the waves. “There’s no more red tide, and

the water is so clean and clear.”

Curt is a stronger swimmer than we are, and contemplated swimming out

to another buoy, but decided to swim ahead and double back for us. It’s

more fun, and safer, to have company when swimming.

The water was so enjoyable, it was hard to leave. As we drove up from

Big Corona, we took one last look out at the ocean.

“What do you think all those boats are doing out there, Mom?” Kelly

asked.

There were at least 10 boats milling and circling around, not too

terribly far out from where we were.

“I’m not sure, Kel. It’s such an unusual assortment of boats,” I

answered. “They’re obviously watching something.”

The next morning, stories and pictures of the dead 60-foot whale were

splashed all over the newspapers. Apparently it first drifted into San

Pedro Harbor, then was towed out to sea, but floated down the coast near

the harbor entrance in Newport Beach. The boats I saw in the pictures

were the boats we’d seen as we left the beach.

I read every word about the 18- and 25-foot great white sharks’

feeding frenzy. A lifeguard boat finally secured the whale’s carcass to a

line before towing it back out to sea, while sharks continued hungrily

feeding on it.

When I showed Kelly the pictures and stories, her eyes opened wide.

“Wow, and here I thought I was safer because there wasn’t a red tide.

I never thought about sharks!” Kelly said, and then called Curt.

The three of us had unknowingly been swimming perhaps 400 yards from

the floating feast. Fortunately God knew, and he was looking out for us.

Since then I’ve been better at starting and ending my day with

prayers, as well as thanks to God. I’m so grateful for his protection.

I’m also grateful that nothing can or ever will take God by surprise.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.