Enjoy the Quiet
It’s 6:30am. I’m sitting on a deck alone, overlooking a South Carolina inlet that weaves its way through rows and rows of beach houses. The beach is just a street away. It’s quiet. The rest of the house is sleeping. There’s a light breeze, and a slender white egret quietly walks through the water, gathering his breakfast.
This is my favorite part of summer.
The Bustling Begins
Soon, the house will be bustling with 16 sleepyheads, meandering their way through the kitchen, making coffee and cereal and the rooms will begin to fill with noise. Stories will be shared about all the things that happened yesterday at the beach and all the things still to come this week. This one week that my brother’s families and mine come together each year to spend time connecting. Cousins who have shared vacations since birth will taunt each other, and play jokes on each other, and when no one is looking, show their love to each other in tiny ways.
This is my favorite part of our vacation.
Connections Matter
Later, we’ll pack up a wagon (or two!), fill a cooler with ice and drinks and snacks, carry 487 towels, and meander toward the beach for a day in the sun. There will be music, and people watching, and walks towards the pier to pick up shells and maybe even an ice cream cone. We’ll sit and talk about nothing and everything all at once. Parents will get to know their children a little better. Spouses will connect without all of life’s pressures. Friendships will grow between children that have turned into adults and the adults that have nurtured them and watched them grow since they were tiny babies.
This is my favorite part of the beach.
Time is Precious
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.” Psalm 127: 3-5
This time to me is precious. I’m never far from remembering how fleeting these moments are. How, in the blink of an eye, our babies have grown into adults. How within a few years new members will join our family, and our quiver will increase.
I’m so thankful for the gift of family. How without us even realizing it, God’s given us hands to hold, and listening ears, and hugs that convey more than words can say. He’s given us lifelong friendships, best friends disguised as cousins, and cheerleaders that always have our back when it matters.
I’m thankful for the bonds that have formed through the years, the support system that has been built, and the beautiful way we all seem to blend together despite our differences. Isn’t that the way God works in each of our stories? Through small moments and seemingly insignificant actions? This is my favorite part of family. And it’s my favorite part of how God chooses to work in my story.
Reflective Questions
- Describe a favorite memory you have of you and your family?
- What is the one thing you get from time spent with your family that you can’t get elsewhere?
- What can you do to encourage your family to grow closer together?
Prayer
Father God, I praise you for the gift of family. For knowing exactly the people we need in our lives to challenge us, encourage us, and sharpen us. Lord, we pray for each of our family members and their relationships to You. May you strengthen that bond with you as you strengthen our bond as a family. Thank you for the blessing of a family that grows and for the incredible gift you give us to be a part of that journey. In the beautiful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
*Click on the link for this delicious recipe. This post is part four in the July series: ‘Every Summer Has a Story’
Laura Adams is a writer and designer with a heart to encourage others. She is often found drawing new artwork on her ipad, or with a laptop in front of her, writing. She loves her family fiercely and is the mom of 3 children, stepmom-in-training to 2 adult children, and wife to her best friend. Find out more about Laura’s creative side at www.lauraadamscreative.net or through her blog at www.anhonestwalk.com
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