It has been a while since I have sat down and blogged. Last night my lovely wife and I ran out to the beach for a stroll and time together. Memories flowed out as we walked along the shore. You see, we sold our house in Port Aransas a little over 6 years ago and at times questioned why the Lord would have had us sell it. I always justified having the house because the Lord blessed us an wanted me to have a place I could get away for some 'R&R.' It was easy to justify having two houses, a successful business, and a wonderful ministry (Bi-Vocational at that time). It seemed like we were in heaven here at home, and that God was blessing us. Every Thrusday night after Bible Studies, Judy and I would head to Port A, come back in Sunday morning for church, and then head back until monday. Then work all week and head back to our refuge.
Many people have asked me over the years "What makes you love surfing so much?" It is truly something that is hard to explain. God, the power of nature, the beauty of it all, and an exhilerating and fun sport. I loved the beach. I loved the surf and I still do. I love the sound of the Water, the waves, and the birds. It is peaceful and serene. The smell is amzing and the seabreeze is refreshing. At 55 years old I still surf (not as much as I used to) and enjoy the beach.
As my wife and I walked down the beach we started thinking once again. "Wouldn't it be nice to have another house in Port Aransas? We could a small house and have be able to walk down the beach in the morning and evenings again." My mind started thinking immediatley about how I could surf once again at least several times a week. It all sounded so good, but we both realized that sometimes what we want isn't really what we need.
God has shown Judy and I why He had us that dear old house in Port Aransas, and give up what seemed like the best of two worlds. It did not take long for us to realize that the dream won't ever happen again. That stealing away a evening occassionaly to walk down the each would be sufficient. That slipping out to catch a wave would be occassional also. Before we sold our house we did 4 Bible studies a week and once a month did community things. Today we still do Bible Studies, but we also do alot more. Everyday is filled with serving others. The joy we have found through Christ comes now throguh our service at the minstry (Quiet Time Ministries), Driscoll Hospital, Juvenile Justice Center, Youth, The Care Center (a food Pantry) and more. Our love for Christ and others now overshadows the dreams of things here on earth.
Yes, God has blessed Judy and I over the years with things, and it seems that we have finally found out that the simple pleasures of life can hinder the true meaning of life. Jerermiah 29:11 says that God has a plan for our life and I believe that with all of my heart. The plan is to live, love and be like Jesus to a lost and dying world. The reward is knowing that He dwells in us and that we find great contentment in giving and not receiving. Sometimes giving up those things that yo love will open the door to true love. Being His and resting in His joy. It is great to remember those old days and what has brought wonderful memories, but it is far better to be in the center of His will~
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