Weekend at the beach

I enjoyed a delightful weekend with friends camping at Myrtle Beach. Former neighbor Keith and the Longs joined me for a wonderful time together enjoying the unseasonably warm weather along with a bit of rain on Saturday. It is always a thrill to experience the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and the salty air. We were able to do a fair amount of hiking in the state park and on the beach but Keith was having trouble with his back and Bud had a painful leg which limited the two of them a bit.

Fortunately the rain did not hamper our fun. As we ate one meal at the picnic table under our umbrellas we were reminded that these experiences are the ones that we will remember well. We spent our evenings playing games and even took time for a quick game of Rummy Cube by the ocean before leaving for the drive home on Sunday. I have to admit that the clean-up when returning home is a bit more challenging with soggy items and a fair load of sand, but it was a special time of enjoying a beautiful portion of God’s beauty and the fellowship with good friends.

In spite of the warm weather and the rain, we had a campfire going all of the time we were in camp. Keith and Bud are experts at the task. There is something special about sitting around the fire watching the embers glow, listening to the crackle of the wood and enjoying that hint of wood smoke in the air. I am sure that most of us recall a special evening by a campfire or possibly in front of a fireplace when we enjoyed pensive times and possibly made some major decisions that impacted our lives. Often as I watch a fire, I think about the similarity to our lives. From a spark to a huge blaze down to a dying ember…A good reminder to use wisely each day to glorify our Lord while there is still a glow coming from our “ember”.

Yesterday was one of those fall-like days with a chill in the air and a light rain for most of the day. Perfect weather for the new grass that I have started to fill in the dead areas where I killed the unwanted invasive Bermuda Grass that likes to take over yards in this part of the country. There are now hints of color in the trees and a shortening of daylight hours that confirm the close of summer.

I am thankful for continued health and strength to enjoy the blessings of life but am also aware of so many friends that are having many struggles these days. My prayer list continues to grow but I am thankful that this life is only the beginning. We have so much more ahead of us…an eternity free of stress and pain to enjoy with our Lord and Savior. It is my prayer that each of us will hold fast to that hope as we continue to encourage each other and prepare for the day when we come face to face with Him.

Love to you all,

Chuck