Smitty throws the Frisbee!Sunset Swim
Dear friends,
I fell asleep on the couch last night and woke up at 4 am to the distant sound of thunder. Lightening was flashing at a tremendous rate, and I got up to watch as the Great One put on quite a beautiful show. At first it looked like the lightening was way across the bay, maybe even as far as Plymouth, but every time the sky lit up I could see the whole harbor for a moment like it was daytime. Stunning. Well, the thunder began to get closer, so I scurried around the house closing windows, (sadly, since the breeze was so refreshing, and unplugging the laptop and kindle. I woke Stephen up to help me get everything zipped up, plus I wanted him to see the show. When the storm hit us it was a little bit scary. But the kind of scary you kind of like. When I went out to the deck to make sure the umbrella was tied I was praying good and loud. Unfortunately we didn't get to the car windows before the deluge came. Chivalrous Steve caned his way out there and shut them, and returned looking very Noah-like. (Wet, not white bearded). Anyway, it was worth it to be awake for such a rich display. Double Wow.
When you go on vacation, you take yourself with you. All your insecurities, fears and sorrows stay attached. That's why it makes no sense to try to run away from your "issues" (to use a pop culture term). The best thing is to get square on with them and dig in with the Great One in the midst of them. There are still relational boulders to climb over, and you know I can't share the details. So many times I wish I could leap ahead in time, with an iron clad guarantee that all will be well... Without a stamped promissory note for a perfect future, I recall the great hymn:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul...
Standing in front of the mighty Atlantic today, dwarfed by its awesome power and size, I could say in truth that though all the circumstances of my life- and I'm quite certain of yours too-
are far from perfect and straight, it can still be well with our souls. Big storms, big oceans, big car crashes - they all lend perspective. Amen.'''
Joe went home. Thanks to the Gentle Rock's for taking care of him!
I wrote more before and lost my connection. This blogging thing is really touch and go this week. Oh well, flexibility is key...
Thanks for the kind comments and sweet emails. I'm so happy you're with me on this trip.
Check out the photo of Steve playing Frisbee. He's doing it!
The photos of me are at my sister in law Sandy's request. There is no vanity at the beach. No blow drying and styling, no makeup... well, lipstick, we must remain civilized!
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
4 comments:
You look fabulous !!! Thanks for posting!!! Wonderful to see these again today - Tom posted the photo of Stephen walking on the beach on his facebook page and got wonderful comments/reactions from many - what a fabulous sight to behold.
The smile in your eyes...priceless. Thank you for taking us along and allowing us to share in the joy of your family's vacation.
These little prayers have comforted my questioning heart -
I do not understand Lord,
but one day I shall see,
Thy loving hand was taking pains,
to fashion me for Thee.
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Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
You have given all to me, to you Lord I return it.
Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
St. Ignatius, from the end of the Spiritual Exercises
Deut 7:9 speaks of God's faithfulness, which also calms my fears.
I may not know all those bible quotes but I do know a happy family when I see one. Your family's love for one another is heartwarming. So wonderful to see pictures of people who are just happy to spend time together making memories. Thank you for sharing. May He continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.
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