Our futures are constantly changing, like patterns in the sand on a beach as each successive wave laps onto the shore.

Every wave moves the sand around and repositions it in a new pattern.

No matter how gentle or strong the wave, the sand is moved and the beach is forever changed.

From a distance, the beach may look the same.

Sand, rocks, sea – all have their place and appear to be unchanging, constant and permanent.

However, the closer we get to the beach, the more easily we can see the changes taking place.

Some, like the patterns in the sand, are obvious and immediate.

Others, such as the erosion of the rocks, take place over a much longer time – but are no less dramatic when seen in the context of the whole life of the beach.

The waves cannot be halted – change is constant and unavoidable.

The waves create and continually shape the beach and its landscape.

We are also constantly changing, like the beach.

The events of our lives are like the waves lapping at the shore of our being.

Every wave makes a difference, no matter how small.

Over time, even the smallest of changes can have a huge impact on how our lives map out in the future.

Like King Canute, we cannot stop the waves or the events in our lives.

We can, however, accept that these events will come, that they will affect us in some way or another and that our future is constantly evolving.

The future holds all possibilities and if we can relax and be calm with the lapping of the waves on the beach, we may be better able to appreciate the beauty and majesty of its creation.