I was sitting by the beach and thinking about anything, everything, yet nothing all at once…

The waves were in such a rush, like all the bustling people in the city.

Maybe if you rush you will get more done: that is their theory.

Ours is: how much we comprehend life.

Life is a gift given to you only once. Peacefully, take your time.

Maybe there is a norm.

Life should be rushed at some points and slowed at other times.

I guess it depends on your perspective of things,

Kind of like a movie “On Demand” when you think about it…

Some people like to watch the whole thing through once.

Others fast forward at some sections.

Some speed up at the scary parts, or the kissing scene.

Sometimes they rewind and analyze what the actor was trying to articulate.

It all depends on your perspective.

Life is one thing for sure though: too precious to waste.

If one wants to accomplish anything in life, he or she first must think.

You may think about why you are here, what the things around you represent, how you got here. You may question life. It’s one of the habitual things we should do.

You sit there, watch the waves rolling in, moving the sand at the beach, look over the horizon, and think…

God it is Who has made the sea to be of service to you by making it subservient (to His command), so that the ships may run through it by His command, and that you may seek of His bounty, and that (in return) you may be thankful. He has also made of service to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth; all is from Him (a gift of His Grace). Surely in this there are (clear) signs for a people who think deeply.

(Qur’an 45:12–13)

Ceyda Sablak is a high school senior who has yet many dreams to pursue in the life that waits for her...