I’m sitting here on the beach, the steadfast waves crashing against the shore, the sun warm on my back, taken in, overcome – just in awe of God. I know, the beach is an inspiring place for many people, but this is a new experience for me as sand is not really my friend. But this beach, this beach speaks to my soul – it’s full of beautiful stones! Oh, I can't wait to explore! Last time I was here there was a short drop from the sand to where the waves stretched. Now it appears the waves have carved a new path to the shore and piled up a stone ramp. These new stones are much larger than the ones that were here a little over a week ago. (Things like this fascinate me and cause me to wonder as I take it all in.) I can hardly take a step without oohing and ahhing over the lovely stones. I feel a little like the Sand Pipers, walking along the shore, head down, poking through the sand, as I scoop up stone after stone, hands full. Searching for something to carry my treasure.I empty out
Sometimes love looks like Sunflowers. This week has been so crazy I couldn’t even remember what the date was. As my hubby checked his phone to confirm that it was in fact the 28 th of August , I lamely mentioned that the month had just slipped away. But my heart? My heart was gripped and began to brace itself for what lay just a few days away. It’ll be five years on Sunday. Five years since my son took his final breath. Five years since I’ve heard his laugh, seen him smile, listened to his stories, looked into those bright eyes and hugged him long. Five long short years… And my heart aches. As I got ready for the day I asked the LORD to give me strength to endure with grace. To let me not fall apart during worship at church on Sunday. To stay steadfast and not be derailed by grief. Then off I went, into the busyness of the day. The grocery shopping took longer than I expected and I was tired as I pulled in the driveway. Arms full of bags as I came through the door, I plopp