At the beach, the waves are crashing against the shore, seagulls crooning, jet skis motoring back and forth, bodies on boogie boards testing the waves, and children sculpting their prized sandcastles. Feet quickly navigate the hot sand to reach the safety of cool water. Joggers methodically traverse the beach to get their daily exercise. Sweethearts are holding hands, giggling, and lovingly looking into the eyes of their special someone.
The palapas shelter patrons from the brutal blaring sun. While relaxing on the beach, you are constantly approached by merchants, male and female, lugging their wares of jewelry, hats, cigars, t-shirts, and blankets in hopes of a sale. The waiters rapidly pop by to ask if you’d like to place an order – margarita, tropical drink, or guacamole?
Vacation can be a respite for the hard-working, stressed-out person. Different accents are heard from beachgoers as they too enjoy the sun. You might ask why we enjoy this tropical paradise. There are many answers, but you need to experience it yourself to know for sure.
Since we are speaking of the seashore, how do you maneuver the waves in your life? Or we could also ask – how do we handle the changes we all experience in our daily lives? Waves continue to arrive – some large, some small, and some easily maneuvered. I like to think I put one foot forward and one foot back for support. This method might also be how I approach life. As we look ahead, unsure what type of wave will be coming our way, we look to our God for support and direction, hoping we can discern the right path to follow.
Over the next month, as 2021 comes to an end, and our calendars are filled with activities and celebrations to attend, please remember the real meaning of the season – to love, to serve, and to help others. Let us not forget those less fortunate who might need our help with gifts and food for their celebration. I’ve included a few organizations below that might need your assistance this season.
- https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/ (Salvation Army)
- https://www.charities.org/charities_list (American Charities)
- https://communityimpact.com/news/2017/12/20/looking-to-keep-donations-local-this-christmas-these-katy-area-charities-are-in-need/ (Local Charities)
- https://www.globalgiving.org/ (Global Giving)
- https://greatnonprofits.org/city/katy/TX (Local Nonprofits)
- https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give (Animal Cruelty and Adoptions)
Many organizations need our assistance. I know we all have charities we are fond of supporting, but it’s essential to reach out to others this time of year according to our blessings.
As I was watching the news recently, a story aired about a couple in their 60s who had both miraculously recovered after being in the hospital at the same time with complications of COVID-19. They stated that they were extremely grateful to be alive and looked at life differently, they don’t sweat the little stuff anymore. Life is about loving and serving each other and spreading that love.
As we get swamped with the stuff of the holidays this December, please take the time to love yourself and love others. Would you please pass my blog post on to others who might enjoy reading it? Thank you.
Happy Holidays,
Julie