“For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9)
We packed up the van with 3 boys, 5 beach towels and bathing suits, one camera, a knitting bag, two computer bags, too many media chargers and too many pairs of shoes. I bet if someone looked hard enough, we could have come up with a kitchen sink. I don’t know how to travel without one.
We spent two days with my mom – experiencing so much blessing. We broke bread with those who love us, met people who shared their gifts with us, like Mary and Charlie’s red and white Camellias, come pink edged in purple – and ivory. They took us on a blooming tour of their hands’ work – building my mother a beautiful bouquet. I think they grew more than Camellias, azaleas – and all sorts of beautiful flowers I won’t get to see through the summer – I think they grew generosity of heart, friendship and genuine kindness, too.
Sunday morning, My husband and I walked these Northern Florida small-town sidewalks canopied with Red Bud blossoms and tree moss -to church where we listened to a sermon that included The Devil and Daniel Webster. Then we moved to a Sunday school room, meeting a community who had prayed comfort for us this year when my husband lost his sister. A retired World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Navy chaplain change our lives by telling his stories – of facing fears, ministering to athiests and waiting on God. It made me want to go back every Sunday. It taught me about waiting for God to grow opportunities that save.
God met me in the sidewalks and pond walks, the church walks and breaking bread – in the people, in the petals, in the moss above and winter leaves below not quite blown away.
We spent the rest of our holiday further down in Florida, practicing my joy-catching – and I caught smiles, a brotherhood strengthening, and time to savor. The littlest, the 14 year old, decided at the beginning of the journey, he was Zack who played baseball and basketball, who referred to us as “you people” – who settled into his born-to persona mid-way through and decided we could keep him.
We talked politics, faith and humor, why we need to love the hard along with the easy. We encouraged them to not out-smart their common sense as they logically tried to one-up each other. There was a little letting go and learning to live with time – time to find Him – in a long walk, in flipping rubber lobsters in a pot to win a blue and yellow stripped stuff animal, over a cup of coffee, in the strengthening sunlight.
Despite 10+ hours of over-stuffed traveling, teens trying to keep wrestling to words, despite them not being sure they really wanted to be with us in a hotel room for 5 days, not trusting mom and dad’s ideas of fun – I believed God would satisfy the longing in this soul and fill it with his goodness, that if I would seek goodness – I would find it. God proved himself good to me – I cam home with a soul-net full of joy caught.
“Thank you for taking me,” said the new college student when we got home.
Yes – a soul-net full of joy caught!
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks (Lamentations 3:25)
Lovely, lovely. Especially your heart-words about God meeting you in every step of the way.
Don’t you love that He vacations with us … but even then, He’s not on vacation?
Welcome back, friend.
LOL – no, He’s never on vacation. However, He does like a day of rest. The day changes when I invite Him to walk with me – even on a holiday! So glad you came by to welcome me home!
Sounds like you traveled not only far, but also deep. Wonderful memories you made with your family and the people you encountered along the way. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Lisa – I know you’ve made the journey to 1000 gifts, too. It has so changed how I see my life – even in a holiday. There’s still the challenges and the things I’d rather not deal with – but oh, the wonderful things He leaves for me! Thanks for coming by and leaving your kind words!
I’m so glad you take the time to build these lasting memories with your boys and husband, Maryleigh. It sounds like you’ve raised them well {your sons, that is! ha!}, and that they are turning into fine young men. I could sure use a road trip to the beach! Lovely photos that bring a bit of sunshine back for us all to enjoy! Thanks for sharing, my friend!
The warmth of the sun – and the spring colors – oh, they were a balm to my spirit, Beth! I was determined to catch the joyful moments, to focus on the those moments and let them define my holiday – and I came home with a beautiful memory! The best photos weren’t from the beach, though – just from everyday living in Northern, FL.! It encouraged me to find something wonderful in the daily!
Amazing pictures & memories! I’m stopping by from the Unite blog hop.
Thanks
Angie
http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/
I’m learning to joy-catching – and let the harsh and hard fall through the net. The little things made a beautiful holiday! So glad you came by – wishing you a soul net full of joy moments!
I love this…”For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness”
{{{hugssss}}}}
We so need to catch up, Red!Full time working is for the birds! LOL I am so glad you stopped by. Totally blessed me!
Sounds so nice! I hope my own kids when they are older will be willing to travel with us. Seems you had a soul-filling time.