Splashes of Sunshine

The warmth of the sunshine fills the air, and giggles and laughter mingle with the sound of water lapping at the shore. An impromptu visit to the lake never fails to provide an afternoon of enjoyment for the entire family. To some, a visit of this sort would simply involve strolling along the beach while taking in the view. But for some of us, it entails so much more. Why - the possibilities are endless! The first thing you must do is kick off your shoes, for that is always the best way to get the most of your excursion. After that, you have so many options to choose from! Sculpting miniature turtles from the wet earth, sketching in the sand, attempting to walk across a fallen log without plunging into the water, getting stuck up to your knees in the mud, having rock skipping competitions, or simply exploring the wonders of God's creation.

Afternoons spent in this fashion are perhaps the most lovely sort of afternoons. Wouldn't you agree?

(photo credit: my mom)

(photo credit: my mom)

(photo credit: my mom)

(photo credit: Sarah)

(photo credit: my mom)

(photo credit: Sarah)

Because what this world has to offer just isn't enough

In a world that exalts talent, careers, beauty, relationships, and money, have we lost sight of what really matters? Have we allowed ourselves to spend our lives chasing after the things that this world says are important, all the while rejecting the very reason we were placed on this earth?

We weren't made for this world - we were made for something so much greater. As children of the most high King, we were made to spread His glory to the nations. We weren't made for comfortable lives that conveniently allow us to ignore the hurt and the needs that are right outside our door.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

The things of this world will pass away...so why chase after that which we cannot keep? The worst that can happen to us in this life is that we die. That is the worst that man can do to us. So why do we fear men when it is God who holds our eternal destiny? Why do we strive to please men when it's God who we should be seeking to please?

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose." 

- Jim Elliot -

If antique shops could talk

A new favorite is slowly meandering through enormous antique shops while sipping coffee and  chatting with a friend. The endless maze of items kept my attention for quite some time, and I wondered what stories I would hear if the items could tell of their history. 

Books with pages worn and yellowed with age, waiting to be re-discovered. 
Clocks that just want to chime again at the top of the hour. 
Worn trunks that have perhaps seen better days, but now carry the memories of the miles traveled over land and sea. 
Radios which may now seem quite outdated, yet used to be the center of attention as the family gathered about it each evening. 
Wagon wheels which used to bear the weight of heavy loads as they rolled along the winding dirt roads. 

Ah yes, I wonder what stories they would tell. Would their story be one of adventure and excitement, or did they simply observe the unfolding of daily life in a quiet cottage? 

It brings me to wonder, what will my story be fifty years from now? Although I will never know the exciting stories of those worn items from the antique shop, I'm realizing that right now I am in the middle of a grand story. God is calling each of us to a great and exciting adventure, if we will only say yes and follow Him with all of our hearts. Yes, the road may be rough and the mountains steep, but we have the greatest protector and guide of all.

So will you say yes to the adventure, or simply sit on a shelf and watch the days float by?