I had no idea it existed.

No, thought that there was such a beautiful place in the world.

It was only by chance that we turned right instead of left.

    There we saw it. I can remember that day like it was yesterday.

The ocean sparkled with diamonds

   and shone with glorious beauty.

What I thought would only be a few hours turned into

    3 days at the beach in York Beach Maine.

From then on we returned year after year.

Although the huge rock upon which I saw with my blanket, Bible and glass of coke

   Never seemed to change

my life did.

I’ll never forget the year that Noelle came to Maine.

Three years old with laughing eyes

   she fell in love with the ocean.

A love affair that continues to this day.

Jenny came for the first time when she was  five and oh what a grand trip that was.

Ice cream cones. Walking everywhere as we stay without a car.

Breakfasts of blueberry muffins, coffee and hot chocolate.

Long walks on the beach.

    Long talks with the wind in our face and the seagulls overhead.

For a short time the most difficult decision is what flavor of ice cream to have.

Ah, sweet bliss.

Gifts.

All gifts from the Father’s Hand.

   I never take it for granted. No, I know it is a gift of His Love.

All of life is, isn’t it?

But to have that time by the seaside with my two girls

   and just laugh and play

   it is simply marvelous.

Each time we leave with a solemn moment as we say goodbye.

If the Lord will, we shall return, we say.

Days go by

     Followed by weeks and months.

We save and save filling the tea-pot with all our small change.

Months sometimes go to years.

But

  at the right time

  at His Time

     we know to start packing. We are going to Maine.

When I am a very old lady

    I can imagine myself walking that sandy beach

        remembering voices from the past

           reflecting upon dreams

              and longings and hopes.

Always rejoicing that in His Way He provides.

His Thoughts are not our thoughts.

His Ways are not ours.

We can trust the gentle moving of His Hand although many times we do not understand.

But with each splash against those rugged rocks

    rocks that have seen so much to time

He shouts His Glory

He whispers our name

   and my heart responds in grateful praise.

Whether at home

    or by the sandy beach, He is Lord.

Let every knee bow before Him and worship Him alone.