Ocean Talk

As we walked the shoreline one evening with our oldest son who was picking up seashells and putting them into a bucket, sand and all, I couldn't help but soak in the moment. I kept tearing up watching him look back and say, "Look Dad!" I asked my husband, "Doesn't it just break your heart?" We looked at each other with an understanding. It's moments like this that we'll remember most, I realize.

We walked for what seemed like only a small distance, but the beach can be deceiving sometimes. Our little man was getting tired. He immediately fell asleep in my husband's arms. On our way back, I kept having this thought that God was telling me to be present. With every wave hitting my feet, it felt like He was sending a reminder, "Hey, I'm still here... I'm always here... Hold on to this..." I found it comforting, and then funny enough, my husband asked out of nowhere, "What do you think God meant by creating the sea?" I told him exactly what I was just thinking. The waves are our constant reminder: that we are never truly alone and that we should always remain present.

It's easy to get caught up in whatever is currently going on in the world. It's easy to get angry or sad or anxious and become obsessed, but in reality, we are often caught up in the wrong things in life. Like distracted kids running around chasing whatever is currently in front of them (like seashells), we have blinders on, and we forget to stop and look around us. So, I'm here to remind you to take off your blinders. Listen to what is going on in the world. Make up your own mind about what actions you want to take (or not take). Then, move forward with your family.

We are not on this earth that long. Be with the ones you love and enjoy every minute with them. Teach what is true and be kind to everyone. Remember that you are never truly alone; find comfort in this. Take time for you and your loved ones. Go for a walk or be with nature. Be present. Personally, I find myself to be the most peaceful when I'm at the beach. Not the crazy spring break scene you're picturing. I mean feet in the sand, looking at the horizon, and watching the sunset. To me, there is nothing better. Nothing beats it. So it's no surprise that this moment or epiphany hit me while walking the shoreline, just the three of us.

My oldest son is about to be three, and yes, every minute is chaos. He is leading his younger brother into so much mischief already, and I find myself in such a fit that I can't wait to just put them to bed some nights (most nights). But I keep trying to remind myself to slow down and just laugh it off. Why be angry about spilled water? Why yell over the kids when joining in the playtime is much more fun? Why clean up the toys before they're done playing? Why cut a seashell hunt short when I can learn a lesson from my son and the sea? I have to stop myself and fix my attitude sometimes (most of the time). They are being kids. They are doing what they are supposed to do. Thank the Lord they have such short memories because when I lose it, they get over it quicker than I feel sorry for it sometimes.

Are you walking around aimlessly with blinders? Are you too busy to soak in what is around you? Take time for you and your family today, tomorrow, the next day, and so on. Don't sit and wait on things to happen. Take your blinders off and look around you. Is everything in place, or is everything a mess? Can you do something to better your quality of life? Can you make a change to better your kids' lives? Do it! Make time for it every single day, and remember that you aren't in this alone (no matter your situation). And don't forget, when you feel the urge to stop and soak in the moment (like picking up seashells on the beach), do it.