Second Beach, La Push, WA
What began as a silly excursion to see a book setting quickly morphed into something else entirely as we drove to La Push during our recent Seattle trip.
The entrance to the beach was a heavily shaded forest with a winding path beckoning us.
Did you know that parts of the Olympic Peninsula are actually a rain forest? The trees were magnificent; covered in moss and surrounded by lush ferns.
Although other people passed us occasionally along the way, there was a hush throughout the forest. It felt almost like being transported to a prehistoric place.
Our path led us up a bit, and then steeply down and down again.
As we neared the beach, the whiff of salty air lingered, and something began to take shape through the foliage. 
We, quite literally, caught our breaths as this other-worldly place came into view.
There was a mountain of driftwood to climb over before reaching the sand. If driftwood is even the right term. These ancient trees had rested here, some of them still with roots attached, to be sun baked and water soaked for generations.
As I carefully picked my way across the terrain, I was stunned by the thought that these trees, this beach, had been here long before me, and would surely remain here long after.
That thought made me feel so tiny, but in a beautiful way.
There is a constant. There is an author to this story.
And it’s not me.
I’m profoundly grateful for that.
See, I can’t even decide what I want for dinner, or what to wear in the morning. I can’t remember where I put my keys to save my life.
I am not always reliable, so when I try to take the reigns on this life, my story, I end up feeling out of control.
Knowing that the God who authored such amazing beauty, is the author of my life as well, makes it easier not knowing the outcome. Because with Him as the author, I can trust that it will be beautiful.
Me, Feeling Small.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a beautiful post, Emily. It's amazing that we are so tiny, so insignificant, yet so loved by our Creator.
Very awesome Emily. I look forward to reading more !
Beautiful photos. This year my class learned about the Olympic rainforest, because on of my kids had been there and had incredible pictures. The kids were amazed that a rainforest was in the United States (I was too).
Okay…first of all…beautiful post. Our God is so cool and so awesome.
Second of all….I'm a huge Twilight dork, and I'm just catching up on your blog…and OH.MY.GOODNESS. That is SO awesome that you got to go to Forks. And LaPush. WHOA! And looking at your pictures, I can almost imagine Edward zoomin' through the trees, and Jacob and Bella sitting on that drift wood chatting.
Okay….now I need to go get my books out and pet them. For I might be a teensy bit obsessed.
It is so beautiful on the Olympic Peninsula! I can't believe I've never been over there to Forks and La Push considering it's only a few hours away.
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous pictures!
Seriously, La Push is a real place too? Stunning photos!
I've been cracking up every time I think of how you ended your post about visiting Forks. My hubby LOVED the movie Twilight – thought it was the best movie ever. Of course, I've read all the books. I just finished Breaking Dawn about 2 weeks ago.
He had no idea how the rest of the story unfolds. . . so I told him about your post and the expression on his face was priceless!!! I don't think he's a fan anymore, LOL!
seriously, i know i've said this a few times before but i HAVE to go there!!!!!!!! thank you so much for that post. i need reminders like that as well.
Great thoughts…and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Emily,
This is truly great!!!!