Rest and Refreshment - Jewell Utt
Aqua waves swelled and broke at my feet, tickling my toes. I wiggled them deep into the sand, scratching the itch, and watched as water refilled each hole. It became a game to see if I could create a space that would remain. The only way I discovered, was to move away from the water.
My free time worked the same way. The moment I saw a break in the schedule, the calendar square quickly refilled. Barring devotional time, I was okay with it, the gaps were free game. Though, I realized of equal importance, was time spent away from those squares. The only way to accomplish it, was to remove myself from the area.
That’s what landed us on this beautiful beach. My husband and I sat alone, with our thoughts and each other. A vacation from the everyday turned into paradise for us. We didn’t dread our return, nor were we concerned by the empty squares left behind. We were in the moment, breathing in God’s salty design, accepting refreshment and renewal. It was His perfect provision–peace.
We marveled at the immense creativity around us. I absorbed the moment, treasuring each detail. The teal water a perfect complement to the blue skies, with their white cottony puffs. Birds lingered near in hopes of tidbits. We obliged. They circled our heads and caught their bounty in mid-air.
I had no food for the fat seals, but then again, they were at the fish docks. Food was in abundance. Their aquatic ballet mesmerized us and displayed a carefree spirit. At least at that moment. Sharks lurked in the deep for food of their own. Hunting, searching, disturbing the peace. But here at this moment the seals were safe, and they enjoyed every moment.
Our trip was chock full of new adventures, great food, and new people. Some more colorful than others, but all a part of God’s creation. We met a man who made jewelry from silverware. He himself was a work of art, with illustrations displayed all over his body. There was a Pilgrim in the square. A happier man, one could not find. This partly due to the spirits he consumed.
Fine art and craft displays showcased the amazing talent of area residents. While musicians freely shared their hearts through song. I met a man who raised funds for hunger and was seeking the Guinness record for the most money raised. His attention grabber was a 19 year old Macaw he had raised from an egg. He’d nonchalantly place his bird on passers-by and snap a quick picture. The Macaw surprisingly held on wherever he was placed, even on the handlebars of a moving motorcycle.
Our vacation, the icing on an already great week, began with the wedding festivities of our youngest son. Seeing our three sons and new daughter in action, warmed our hearts to bursting. This is the gift of life; celebrating with family and long time friends, embracing a new limb on the tree, seeing God’s hand on every moment.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecc 3:1
For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest… Hebrews 4:10-11
