I've always loved beaches and oceans.

Nevermind the fact that I can't swim, but there's just a sense of awe at the sight of waves crashing to the shore.

Recently I was at a beach where the waves were unexpectedly high (at least a metre in height?). And as they crashed on the rocks and the shore, I finally understood the song lyrics: "when the oceans rise and thunders roar"

As I stood there, just looking at the endless waves, there was a particularly huge wave that I saw coming over the waters, the kind that surfers dream of, and I remember thinking to myself that surely, just as all the other waves before it, it will die down and crash on the rocks.

But no, this wave was different. As it came, getting higher and higher, I realised (while it was too late) that it would come up to the breakwater where we were standing. My mum was in front of me and before I could say anything, the wave engulfed her and came towards me. I ran for dear life but my jeans were soaked up to my knee in the end. 

As I recall this incident, it sounds utterly hilarious. But the very visceral fear at the sight of the wave was real. The way it came towering and relentless. We had no chance of escape. In the hugeness of the wave, we seemed so small.

However, even though my mum was soaked, the first thought that came to mind was that she was okay, she was fine. As huge as the wave was, nothing happened to her.

And I realised that out fears and problems in life are a lot like that wave. They look scary, they engulf us, but ultimately, it's just water, and ultimately we will emerge unscathed. 

Yes oceans will rise, and thunders will roar, but as long as you are on a firm ground, you will be okay. 

And then you will realise it was just a wave.