Tag: Beach

Beach, beauty, Bible, blessings, challenges, courage, faith, faithful, Family, family trips, fatigue, fortitude, God, God's love, God's grace, God's will, Jesus, nature, parenting, perseverance, positivity, rebott, refresh, religious, scripture, spiritual, trips, Uncategorized, water

Breathtaking Beauty

katietkennedy

Many people travel to the beach during the summer. The sun and sand and ocean are extremely restorative. 

When you reflect on your vacation, you usually remember the positive things; your feet in the sand, the laughs you shared with family, the yummy food you consumed, strolling along the shore, or jumping waves with your kids. 

What you don’t focus on, or maybe we block out, is the hours upon hours you spend shopping for food, packing, and loading and unloading the car. You don’t dwell on the twenty trips you made walking up and down the stairs carrying bins of supplies and suitcases. We don’t think about the sweat you poured out while packing the car in 90+ degree heat. We don’t focus on these things because the time by the water overshadows the rest. The days of relaxation are worth the work. 

This reminds me of our faith journey. Being a Christian is hard. It’s not easy, recall the ‘narrow gate.’ We have years of trials and challenges. All the while learning to be a servant of Christ, to mortify our sins and worldly desires daily.

When we are packing up the car and the kids are fighting and we’re hot and exhausted and we haven’t even left, I wonder if it’s even worth it. Is the trouble worth the trip? Once I’m there, see the view, and listen to the sounds of the waves, I remember, yes it is. The destination is worth the journey.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

So, as you endeavor through the days and wonder if all the preparations, work, and effort are worth it; consider arriving at the feet of your Heavenly Father, and the rest and restoration He provides, not just then in that moment but for all moments for the rest of your moments, for eternity.

blessings, coronavirus, faith, Family, introverts, Jesus, nature, parenting, positivity, religious, spiritual, water

Pandemic brings Perspective

katietkennedy

Oh, how our perspective and mindsets have changed due to the endless ripples of the coronavirus. We have been humbled and become thankful for the little things we used to take for granted like eating out, gathering with friends, and school being open. 

As life outside our home begins to open, we took a trip to the beach to celebrate the conclusion of school and gain a much-needed change in scenery. We were all craving a change of pace.

We drove 7.5 hrs south to Tybee Island, GA, a drive which normally would have included much grumbling, fighting and plenty of “when will we be there?” While the car was full of beach towels, chairs, luggage, and a guinea pig, it was absent of any fussing and complaining. We were so excited to be going somewhere… anywhere. 

Everyone’s summer plans have been altered. We had an epic trip to Alaska planned this June with my family which was canceled. It’s amazing how our perspective has been modified. A trip to the beach hardly seems comparable to an Alaskan adventure, yet somehow it was.  

We were elated at the crashing waves, gritty sand, and open restaurants. Our kids were grateful for the beach getaway. They didn’t care where we were or what we were doing, they were thankful not to be at home. 

In today’s society, it’s challenging to raise children who aren’t entitled. It’s not our intention, but rather a byproduct of our current culture. Our schedules revolve around their activities, how can they not be slightly self-centered? 

God uses all things for good including the coronavirus. While I can name many disappointments and frustrations about this timeframe, I can also list surprise blessings such as enhanced gratitude and appreciation. What a good, yet painful lesson we are all learning.

In the past, a trip to the beach might have been viewed as normal and maybe even mundane, suddenly it became anything but. It brought us back in touch with our Creator and the beautiful world He designed. 

What have you learned to be grateful for during this time?