To the Beach

I have loved going to the beach since I was a child. We would play in the sand, splash in the waves, fish in the surf, build castles and catch crabs at night with flashlights. My parents love the ocean and I have inherited this trait. Tomorrow I leave for a week of vacation and sermon preparation for the next year. Meri and I will go to the beach without kids for the first time in 21 years! It seems strange and yet exciting. We will walk for miles just holding hands. We will eat seafood and watch the sunset. We will sit on the deck with our feet propped up next to one another and make a picture for our scrapbook - one of our traditions!

This year we will combine a little work and study. I will pray and plan for sermons for the next year and Meri will do a little real estate work by computer. Maybe this is how we cope with not having the kids! It's also a good mix of refreshment and listening for God's voice. I always seem to hear God loud and clear amongst the crashing of the waves, the wind against the sand and the chirping of the seabirds.

I plan to do a lot of fishing. I think of Jesus and his disciples fishing in the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus called the first disciples. This is where he walked to them on the water and told Peter to come to him. Peter began to sink and only survived by keeping his eyes on Jesus. The disciples had breakfast on the beach prepared by Jesus. He could cook, hold children, teach great stories, do miracles and save the world - yes, I will recall his power and grace in my life as I enjoy the beach and listen for his still, small voice.

Pray that I catch many fish, have some sunny days and hear his plan for my preaching. I can't wait to get my feet in the sand and feel the splash of the waves!  Our God is so good....