life – Page 2 – Sew Beach Life

The Positive Side

Sometimes when Dan and I go for a sunset walk, we know that we’re unlikely to see a pretty sunset. It may be an overcast cloudy day, or the skies are just gray and misty looking. Sometimes there is a large bank of clouds blanketing the horizon, so you know that the sun is unlikely to make an appearance.

That doesn’t stop us from walking, feeling the breeze on our skin, enjoying the sound of the waves, and breathing in the fresh salt air. It is therapeutic to walk out in nature, to absorb the beauty of God’s creation. Occasionally we’ll feel the need to quicken our pace, to hurry and try to “beat” an approaching rain shower.

We usually make it home long before the rain hits. Once in a while we are treated to a little shower when we have gotten too far from the park entrance and can’t make it back in time. Sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised when the sun peeks out or drops below a bank of clouds and we actually get to see the sun set.

When the world seems to be swirling around you, and you feel a bit overwhelmed, where do you turn? Are you grounded in your faith? Do you know, honestly know and trust that it will all be ok because God really is in control? It can be hard to do, because we like being in control, feeling like we have power over our world. And we do, because of free will. We choose the paths we take and are responsible for the consequences of our actions. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have faith, and trust and lean on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to help and guide us. It’s more that when we feel overwhelmed that we do turn to God as our first line of help and support.

It can seem easier to turn toward the world, to hear that it’s not our fault, to “drown our sorrows” in unhealthy ways, be they alcohol, drugs, bad and dependent relationships, or whatever other source of fleeting pleasure, yet long-term sorrow or pain that we burden ourselves with. Know that you can always change. You can always open your heart, and let God in. There is always room for healing, for forgiveness, for moving forward into the light. You can let go of the burdens that you’ve been trying to carry on your own. They really do become lighter when they are shared.

Open your heart, listen, and pray. Look for the light and the beautiful sunsets. God is always there, always waiting and calling out for you.

A Little Help

My daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter flew down for a visit this week, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent the day at the beach. We walked the beach, built sand castles, played in the ocean, and were enjoying the wonderful day.

A couple in their young thirties were walking past, and I complimented the gentleman on his cool track chair. I like seeing people who are differently abled have the tools and technology to be able to enjoy something we take for granted, like enjoying a day at the beach. He asked my husband and son if one of them would be willing to carry him into the water. He explained that he would drive his chair closer to the water so it wouldn’t be so far, and his wife demonstrated the proper lifting technique. Our son quickly stepped forward and helped his wife carry him into the ocean.

Everyone enjoyed playing in the water, and the gentleman tried to give me tips on mastering the boogie board. “Start swimming before the wave gets to you so that you’re going the same speed as the wave.” I did more bobbing like a cork than truly riding the waves, but it sure was fun! I was truly impressed by his swimming skills because the waves were quite strong and breaking pretty hard. Even when they washed over his head, he continued to swim with just the use of his arms. His wife frequently walked up to shore to check on his sweet service dog.

When we took a little break, our son let the dog sniff his hand, gave him some pets and back scratches, and the dog backed into his legs for more pets and attention. He obviously sensed that our son loves his own dogs and knows just how to give a proper back scratch and rub! 🙂 The couple spent an hour or two playing in the surf before our son helped carry him back to the track chair.

As a rather shy person, I was thinking about how hard it has to be to ask someone, a complete stranger, for help. Especially asking them to do a more physically demanding and personal task like carrying you into the water. How hard is it for you to ask for help? Is it easier for you to help others than to ask for help yourself? We all need a little help sometimes.

Life can feel challenging at times, and that is the perfect time to pray and ask God for help. If you’re not used to prayer and talking to God, it can be awkward because you may feel like you don’t know what to say. I think just having a conversation like you would with a friend is a great way to start. Say what’s on your mind (it doesn’t have to be out loud, it can be a conversation in your heart). God listens.

I am loving being able to spend time with my family, and build precious memories with my granddaughter. I hope that you are enjoying some conversation with God and Jesus, are willing to ask for help, as well as to step forward and help. We had a wonderful Palm Sunday, and look forward to Easter. Enjoy this Holy Week in anticipation of the glory to come!

What A Week!

From Illness To Gratefulness

I am finally recovering from a week of influenza and it feels so good to be upright! I was literally down for the count for a week, laying in bed, slowly walking to the sofa or dining table, and back to bed. I hate being sick, feeling dependent on others, and not having my normal energy and routine.

My husband was a champ! He made me food, did the dishes and laundry, and took excellent care of me. I told him how much I appreciated him taking care of me, and he said, “You’re always taking care of me and would do the same for me. It’s not a big deal.” While it’s true that it may not have been a big deal to him, it meant a great deal to me. When you are naturally a caregiver, it’s interesting to see it from the other side.

When you are constantly taking care of others, of the household, of your children, etc., you can easily get irritated or feel a little bit resentful. “Gah! I just vacuumed and you’re tracking dirt everywhere!” “Ugh! Sweaty, gross gym clothes to wash and they are laying on top of my outfit in the laundry basket and getting it all stinky!” And of course you’ll make eggs for breakfast when you’d much rather make banana pecan waffles topped with strawberries and blueberries because you know he’d prefer the protein.

I generally don’t complain about the inconveniences (OK, other than the tracking in dirt!), because caring means that you are doing these things out of love. And really, it’s not hard to do any of it, and it really isn’t a sacrifice. It’s just the way it works for your family. Everybody has to do their part to make their family life work. Maybe your family dynamic is different, and you’re the main breadwinner, and someone else has more time for the household. Or maybe you are responsible for everything yourself. Everybody has to participate in making life work.

But working joyfully, and cheerfully giving, that decision is up to you. I can tell you that life is happier, you are happier when you move through life with a happy heart. Is life always easy? Do things always go perfectly according to your plans? Of course not! We all have worries and concerns. Maybe you are struggling financially, maybe someone you love and care for is sick, or injured, or dying. Maybe you just feel like life is beating you down. We have all been there. Everyone has struggles. How we face those struggles is the question.

Do you think that you have to carry the burden alone? On the surface, it may appear to you that you do. But you don’t. There is always someone you can talk to, someone who will listen, someone who will lighten the load.

Talk to God, talk to Jesus. Surrender your heart, look, and listen for the little spark of joy. There is beauty and happiness everywhere. What are you grateful for? What can you do for others? What small look, gentle touch, gesture of friendship or love can you give? Because that is the secret. Opening your heart to God, praying and listening for His voice. Giving of ourselves, rather than just focusing on what we “deserve”, what I think the world “owes” me. Be grateful to the one who gives us all the opportunity for everlasting life.

And don’t forget to say thank you to the people God has placed in your life. The ones who take the time to care for, or be kind to you. Pet the cute kitty who snuggled you while you were sick. Hug the loving husband who kept you fed when you didn’t have the strength to make your own meal. And talk to God, open your heart, feed your soul. Be grateful for whatever crazy, wonderful life you have.