The waves caressed our toes. I swayed with our 10 month-old babe in arms as I watched our 2 year-old and  4 year-old sons play in the shallow, sweet spot we’d discovered. We had already walked the shore line, explored every rock and seashell available near the surf, and then we settled into a cozy tide pool near the jetty where my husband, David, fished with our 6 and 8 year-old sons. When he fishes, he goes half a mile out on the jetty. So, it was truly just us enjoying the seaside that day with no one in sight.

The afternoon sun sparkled on the water as the tide crept in. No wind. Just pure warm sunlight, and the lull of the waves caught me in a rare moment of carefree bliss. Just me and the young ones. I drank in the salt air and light, occasional splashes from the water against the jetty bounced back at us.

Without warning a wave foamed and overtook our playground, knocking both kiddos off their feet, water rising. With my baby in one arm I was left to choose which child I could save. Shock flooded me. This can’t be happening. I reached for the younger one, just a few feet out of reach in hopes by some miracle…

Dowsed and sputtering the four year tried to gain a footing.

“God, you’ve got to help us!”

Out of nowhere a lady appeared and scooped him up.

We took a step back to higher ground and she handed him over to me. After a moment’s pause I said, “It all happened so fast.”

“It’s scary, isn’t it.” She sympathized.

“Yes, I mean. It seemed so safe. Until—it wasn’t.”

How did she get there? So quickly too? There hadn’t been anyone remotely close. Was she an angel? I’d asked God for help and there she was. She saved our son’s life.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone. These waves can come in so quickly, and you are outnumbered.”

Nope, she can’t be an angel. I reasoned. Angels don’t scold.

Or do they?

I clung to my boys, still shaken to my core. Gratitude swept over me. Angel or not, God had sent someone. I also remember concern rising that I could be so mesmerized by the ocean’s beauty that my mom radar had paused. Never mind that, even at my most alert state, I had been caught short handed—three of them to one of me.

When I searched to see where the lady was, she was gone.

Do angels scold? I think I may have caught lip from one—twenty some years ago. Though I had to stand corrected, I was given an opportunity that spared life that day. I am so grateful.

Maybe you’re in a space where God didn’t save your situation. Maybe I encourage you? Search for the times God did spare you, and praise Him for them! The Israelites were told to recount the goodness of the Lord. By rehearsing, we remember His kindness  and stir up faith in ourselves and others to trust again.

Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.Psalm 135:6

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,Ephesians 1:11

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10ESV

Perhaps you have a story you could share with me. Or a prayer request for your current situation. Shoot me an email. Let’s find God’s goodness together. He is near.

For the Generation who seeks Him,

Melinda Poling