The only downside to short notice packing is the likelihood of forgetting something important. Like underwear for your four year old. True story. When I realized my omission, it was too late and Kaylen had to wear a pair of Jacob's underwear to dinner that night. He was none to pleased.
Somehow, even with the hour we spent packing, we managed to remember all the important beach gear. Although it's a nightmare to load and unload from the beach each day, we have found that there are some essentials we just can't live without. A tent, chairs and a cooler being the three most vital things. Of course none of those can be carried by the kids, so poor Tony gets loaded like a pack horse. Meanwhile, the kids cry and say their arms hurt when tasked with the job of carrying their floaties back. Seriously.
While we were at the beach this short trip, the water was red flag rough. Huge waves and a strong undercurrent, it was fun and scary at the same time. Even the very shallow water as it rushed up on the beach was powerful enough to knock Marlee over almost every time.
She preferred it when I would stand with her and she would lean against my legs and they would support her as she got pounded with the small breaking waves on the shore. Kaylen, on the other hand, didn't want help and spent hours playing in the shallow water letting it carry her in and out without concern for where it would take her.
As I stood there in the hot sun, my daughters illustrated an important truth. How with a firm foundation, a solid core. you can stand and hold tight no matter the force that tries to pound you down. But without anything to grasp, you are at the mercy of the raging water, following it's swift current to open and dangerous water.
Is it fear that threatens to pull you under time and again? Cling to this: Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Is it a particular sin that seems to catch you up over and over? Cling to this:Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Are you caught in a cycle of anxiety and depression that ebbs and flows in a constant struggle? Cling to this: Psalm 30:5b
Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Wherever you are, whatever it is, there is an Anchor. You will find Him in the pages of your Bible. No matter how rough the sea, nor how wild the water, your Anchor will hold. And when the time is right, He will rebuke the wind and the sea as He did in ancient days and they will obey. "Peace, be still," is all He has to say.
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