Something About the Beach

Kim and I planned a little "together time" for our family. So on July 26, we packed the Suburban and traveled to Sandestin, Florida (see http://www.sandestin.com/). It has been a great opportunity for Kim, Madison, Brayden, Mallory, and I to get away from all of the things that pull us away from each other. By the way, when we return home don't ask me to see our photographs. We have been too busy having fun and keep forgetting to take any!

Last night, Kim and I briefly slipped away for a nice dinner (just the two of us) and a quiet stroll down to the beach under a full moon. I have always loved seeing and hearing the ocean. There is something about it that is almost hypnotic. As we sat together staring at wave after wave pouring onto the beautiful white sand beach, my mind was filled with thoughts related to this beautiful setting and our Awesome God.

First of all, waves were crashing onto this beach long before I was born, and after my time on this earth is through they will continue much in the same manner. Now think about God. He is eternal (see Revelation 22:13). He has created and sustained everything I see, including me. He has been at work and will continue to be at work long after I depart this planet. This truth is humbling and reminds me to be grateful that He has involved me in His plan.

Also consider this. My family and I visited the beach and played in the ocean's waves on the day of our arrival in Sandestin. After a good night sleep we returned to find the waves right where we last saw them...on the beach. Now I don't know exactly where you are in your walk with God, but maybe you are a little like me at times. You place yourself right there in the wonderful waves of close fellowship with God and involvement in His kingdom work, and you enjoy it because it is a great place to be. But then you walk away (it may be slowly or all at once). You get involved in a hobby, begin to spend more hours at the office, or become committed to some other item or activity that distracts and detracts from your experience with God. But remember, He did not leave you. You left Him. Similar to the waves on the beach, God is there where you left Him. And if you will turn to Him, you will find Him there waiting for you (see Luke 15:11-32).

God has blessed me with an incredible family, and I thank Him for times like this that we get to be together and focus on one another. I also thank God because He continues to use the beautiful things around me, such as my family and His creation, to remind me of His love and faithfulness to me.