Living on the Florida coast teaches a person a few things.

First, never trust a weather forecast that includes the word “slight.”

A slight chance of rain is apparently Florida code for build an ark.

Second, sand gets everywhere. I’ve found it in my shoes, my purse, and once—quite impressively—in a sealed container of cottage cheese.

I still have questions.

The third thing I’ve learned is that the sea is full of mysteries.

Every morning, the tide washes something new onto the shore. A shell. A message in a bottle. A flip-flop whose owner is probably still looking for it.

The ocean gives up its secrets one piece at a time.

Life works that way, too.

Whether you’re solving a mystery or simply trying to figure out what the Lord is up to, you rarely get all the answers at once. Usually, you get the next clue. The next step. Just enough light to keep moving forward.

Personally, I’d prefer a complete roadmap.

But nobody seems interested in my opinion.

Until next time, keep your eyes open.

You never know what the tide might bring in.

— Muriel Finch

P.S. If it’s a winning lottery ticket, kindly bring it directly to me. It’s only fair.