Feelings of expectation, joy, and nervousness began to arise as I came closer to living my dream of going to the ocean for the first time. I had experienced some of what the Indian Ocean was like, but it was dark outside, I was cold and I was 11. When you're 11, sometimes life just isn't very fun.

So fast forward 9 years and here I am, ready to experience what I had pictured in my head millions of times. As we drove down to the beach, I caught glimpses of the Atlantic through my window waiting for me, calling me.

The boardwalk down to the ocean seemed endless but most definitely worth it. Each step built up excitement in me.

Then just like that, there I was. Standing on the edge of the shore, with the vast ocean beckoning at my feet. I felt Jesus tell me how excited He was that I was here, living this long desire of mine. I had my tourist moment, taking pictures of the ocean and the sky, but then I put my phone away (which I highly encourage you to do if you're surrounded by any beautiful scenery of nature).

"Do you know how much I love you? More than the vastness of this ocean. My love for you transcends over every wave. Just as the ocean pulls you in, as do I."

These were the words I felt God speak to me during my moments of being silent with the waves crashing over me. These were some of the most precious moments that I've ever had in my life.

Any expectation that I've had of the ocean was shattered in a second because the real thing is so much better than what I could have imagined.

This is the first year that I'm not going to Colorado to see the beautiful mountains and my heart has been silently mourning this fact. In all of God's goodness towards me, He gave me the ocean to fill the place in my heart. So friends, Jesus knows the longing of your heart, even if it's just to see something beautiful around you. He holds on to your desires and never lets them go.