This past week my family and I went on vacation to the ocean. Every year, we pack our swimsuits, boogie-boards and sunscreen and hit the beach. The moment we arrive at our destination, we climb out of the car and run toward the waves that call us back year after year. It is freeing and gives us an opportunity to breathe for a moment without the world's problems suffocating us. I have always known that the ocean is special. Since I was a little girl, going to the ocean has always been so much more than vacation, but a chance to thank God for His brilliant creation and about humbling myself, a mere human, before Him. This year, I learned so much about myself and this world, and I think these lessons are pretty universal.

1. When times are tough, look to the horizon.

This world is aching for peace during such a violent era in its history. Everywhere we look, death and terror illuminate the land and people are crying out for justice and mercy. When I sat before the ocean this past week and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon, I was once again reminded to never stop looking forward, even amidst pain and destruction. There is always good and there is always hope.

2. Perspective is everything.

I must have watched a dozen sail boats out in the distance, gliding on the top of the ocean waves. They looked so small next to the mass expanse of water, and it made me think of myself compared to the ocean. Yet, I am so important despite my insignificance. It sounds contradictory, but even though I am but a speck in this world, I am looked at by a Creator who views me as the apple of His eye. The ocean is a great reminder to be humble and that we are loved beyond comprehension.

3. We have hope, an anchor, that never fails.

We all feel alone at one point or another. It's inevitable. There are times when I feel as though I am slowly sinking and that if someone doesn't come and save me, I'll drown. But, I've been proved wrong again and again. We are never alone. We are loved beyond comprehension, and we have an anchor that will never unroot, no matter how bad the storm gets.

4. When we fall, we have the strength to get back up again.

One day this past week, I eagerly ran into the waves, a boogie-board tied to my wrist and a beating heart ready for adventure. I've never been super keen of water or swimming in general, but the ocean is an exception - I can never be scared of something I love so passionately, no matter how dangerous it can be. I took my boogie-board and I laid it on the top of wave before it hit, and then the beautiful sensation of gliding with water overtook me as it brought me closer and closer to shore. The second time I went out, I completely wiped out and fell sideways off of my board. It was painful, but I got right back up, even though fear threatened to pound through my veins. Life is kind of like this wipeout; it hurts, but you have to keep on getting up despite everything that may be holding you down.

5. It's okay to breathe.

My family is a busy one. Both of my parents work tirelessly, and my brothers and I are constantly on the go from one activity to the next. Vacation is a chance for us all to breathe and relax, even if it's for a couple of days. It is a time for us to recharge. In order to swim, one must come up for air. Our lungs can only hold oxygen underwater for a few seconds, maybe a minute at the most on average. The ocean and the act of swimming teaches us that it's okay to breathe, vital even. We have to come up for air in order to keep swimming through this ocean we call life.