We made a trip to the sea here at summer's end. Oh, I know that summer isn't officially over yet; the sultry air outside my door today assures me that it is not. But we started back to (home) school this week and my thoughts are changing direction. It seemed fitting to soak in the summer and the sea and the salt air before moving on...
Water play. Lunch on the beach. Long walks along the shore.
Watching.
Collecting shells. Catching baby clams. Returning them to the water.
Talking. Planning.
Considering.
Ron and I sat in our beach chairs and we watched. We watched a young man who suddenly looks long and gangling and not so much like a little boy. We watched Kristin, her tummy growing with new life. We watched all of the children, growing and learning, showing us their treasures, sharing their knowledge of the sea creatures. Even the youngest two were brave in the water with their daddy beside them.
The seasons are changing.
Summer into autumn.
Boyhood into manhood.
Middle school into high school.
A family of seven into a family of eight.
Changes all around us, whether we are ready or not. But this is our stability:
"For I am the Lord; I do not change."
Malachi 3:6
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
James 1:17
Before I totally move on, I want to gather the moments of August. I'll be back in a day or two to share my gatherings...
A lovely post ! I am so ready for fall but I feel the need for 1 more trip to the beach this summer, maybe this weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family outing!
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully said and so beautifully photographed. Nothing like a day seaside for reflection and affirmation. God is good.
ReplyDeleteI am probably late to say so, but the header is so lovely in its simplicity.
DeleteSo thankful that Jesus is the same yesterday today and tomorrow! Looks like a great way to celebrate the end of August!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images of your day at the shore. Getting away from "real" life can be refreshing and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteWell, Cheryl, you know I love the ocean and it looks like you and your family had a beautiful day there! Yes, change is in the air. The change in your header is perfect for this time of the year. Your style is so peaceful and joyful to me. ♥
ReplyDeleteLove these thoughts. Seasons of life. Glad you had a day away.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
As I read your reflections my mind saw Family Togetherness, and how blessed you are!
ReplyDeleteNow if we could just get some cooler weather we could really celebrate a new season!
What a wonderful day and wonderful pictures! We have a beach day planned for Sat with all of our sons and their families.. Looking forward to it....I love to just sit and watch and take it all in. And yep the seasons change and come and go and how I love that we can count on Him to remain steadfast. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteOh what fun...and I am SO jealous! I have not gotten to the shore yet this year but hope to before it gets to cool...actually I don't even care if it is or not...I love it anytime! Your photos are just wonderful...such great perspective...especially the one of the bucket in the sand. What a fun day that had to be for everyone!
ReplyDeleteOh Cheryl, you make me long to visit the ocean! The photos are wonderful! What a great way to end the summer and kick off the new school year. Many blessings on your family as you plan and implement.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful photography! Oh to be closer to the beach!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this so much, Cheryl!, It has been years since we visited the beach, this makes me long for a visit.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Labor Day weekend.
Blessings,
Sue
These pictures are SO beautiful - they sing of summer! All the best as you begin a new school year!
ReplyDelete