Peace at the Beach

At the beach this weekend … yes, in November. It’s not sunny and warm. Actually, it’s cloudy and cool. But it is peaceful. When I arrived with friends yesterday, the view nearly took my breath away. I almost cried. I snapped a quick pic and posted to Facebook–including my emotional response. One of friends asked, Why? I might cry. I responded, “In one word, October.” October has always been a busy month for our family. It is probably the busiest month of the year for us. But this year, from the beginning to the end, my heart experienced the gamut of emotions. Crazy busy schedule coupled with emotional highs and lows.

And now the rhythmic peace of the ocean.

I’m here for a scrapbook retreat with some of my favorite women. They stayed up until who knows what time last night. I hit the hay much earlier. Why? In one word, Sunrise. In two words, Sunrise and Coffee. Ok. Three words. Sunrise, coffee, and the ocean … And my time with the Lord. It’s not often I get to have all of these at one time. So I grab it when I can.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

And so I came.

Indeed, sharing a load with Jesus is much better than bearing it alone. But sometimes life is downright tough–it’s not easy at all.

This morning I was reading Psalm 139 and stopped at verse 16,

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16)

Every moment … was laid out. Each one was known in advance … planned, even.

Verses 1-4
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

For the ladies who originally planned and organize this weekend, it is their 10th anniversary beach retreat. We are celebrating by exchanging simple gifts. I got this mug last night. And it is perfect!

I love the Scriptures that couple joy with peace.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! (Isaiah 55:11-12)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

I especially love the last verse.

A cup completely filled with joy and peace, overflows with hope. Share on X

It’s wonderful to be at the beach right now. But it’s not always possible to find respite like this.  So I’m extremely grateful. At home, my special place is in my living room, in my chair.  Where is yours?