Following the Turtles

I recently rented a condo by the beach where there was a notice stating all porch lights must be turned off before bed. “It’s because of the turtles,” a resident informed me. It seems the dunes are full of turtle eggs, and when the baby turtles break through their shells, they head toward the sea. Lights from the homes on the beach confuse them and lead them astray.

Although I’ve never witnessed this inspirational migration back to the sea, back to their true home, I couldn’t help but think about the turtles and how much they have to teach me. Thinking of them breaking through the shells, I could almost hear the cracking that comes when we break through the confines of our old lives and enter the open space of new life. Imagining their first steps out of the shells and into the sand, I remembered the initial steps I’ve taken when venturing from the known world to the new, and as I pictured them making their way toward the sea, I marveled at their ability to know in what direction they should head, the direction of their true home. I also knew, too well, the danger of misleading lights that can lead one astray.

Long after returning from the beach, I’ve thought about the turtles. Like them, I want the courage to break through the shells that confine me and enter the unknown of new life. I want to take comfort in their relentless perseverance when the sand around me makes my steps difficult. And, most of all, I want to head toward the sea. Too often, I’ve headed toward the seductive lights on shore. More times than I can count, I’ve become lost. But in my heart, somewhere deeper than my clever, fickle mind, I know where my true home lies. Because of the turtles, I’m inspired to try again.