Sun, sand, beach, waves, tan, food, rest…A lot of words describe our vacation. But the word I keep going back to is THANKFUL.
We recently returned from a family vacation at the beach.
This family vacation consisted of my husband and our family, my mom and dad, my husband’s mom and dad, and my brother-in-law and two nieces. Thirteen of us in all.
This is the 2nd year in a row we have been able to go on this trip together.
I’ve been trying to think of the perfect words to write about this trip.
I could say it was fun, sunny, and beautiful.
I mean, it was fun. It was sunny. It was beautiful.
But this doesn’t describe the perfectness of this trip.
It was so much more.
The days were full of sun and beauty. But the real beauty was having all of us together.
When I think about our trip, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.
I know I’m blessed to still have my parents, yet sometimes I forget to be thankful.
I know I’m blessed to have wonderful in-laws, yet sometimes I forget to be thankful.
I know I’m blessed to have a husband who loves me like he does, but sometimes I forget to be thankful.
I know I’m blessed to have four children on this Earth who I get to raise and love. But sometimes I forget to be thankful.
I know I’m blessed that my kids are able to grow up with their cousins. But sometimes I forget to be thankful.
Things can change in an instant.
I don’t want to take for granted the time I’m given with the people God has put in my life.
Watching my dad play in the waves with my kids. I’m thankful.
My mom taking the girls on a walk for iced coffee. I’m thankful.
My mother-in-law being the chef to all of the ever-so-hungry mouths. I’m thankful.
Watching my father-in-law ease into the pool with his fluorescent white legs. I’m thankful.
Watching my husband throw a football with his brother. I’m thankful.
Watching my oldest girls with their cousins (their first friends), getting dolled up to go eat. I’m thankful.
Walking on the beach at night, searching for crabs, amongst screams and squeals when they find one. I’m thankful.
Relaxing with everyone watching movies after a day of fun in the sun. I’m thankful.
Watching him tell the beach, “bye” before we leave. Knowing that the next time we’re here, those little feet will be bigger. I’m thankful.
Lord, I don’t want to miss out on a moment of your blessings. Help me not to forget the blessings you have given me. Help me not to take them for granted.
Help me to be thankful.
Thank you Lord for this wonderful time together – with these people I love so much.
