INSPIRASUNS

Well, you are surely wondering where I might be going with today’s little blog. I mean, I live in SW Florida and I’m saying let it snow… There are many things curious about that title 🙂

Last night we participated in the Marco Island Christmas Parade. Those who know me, know of my love for this special place. My dad lived there and showed us the beauty and comfort of this Island and we’ve called it a second home ever since. Anyway, we were proud to “walk” with the Marco Island Patriots in the parade, actually, my husband drove the side by side pulling the airboat, while I was copilot, lol! Friday afternoon we decorated all of the equipment, airboat, search and rescue boat, trucks, etc with red, white, and blue lights, garland, flags, and even some fun stuff like inflatable snowmen and… wait for it… snow machines! Our actual walkers in the parade carried bags filled with U.S. flags and candy canes, um, 2000 candy canes, to hand out to the crowd lining the streets.

As the parade began, we were staged on one of the side streets. It took a while to get things going, but then…we made that turn onto San Marco Blvd and I could see the HUGE crowd lining the street on both sides. I found out later that people had actually set their chairs out hours earlier to get the best spot.

As we slowly made our way down the street I can’t explain the overwhelming sense of joy and pride that I felt. The street was filled with families, there were little babies in strollers, toddlers, kids decked out in their Christmas jammies, and adults of all ages, US Veterans donning their military ball caps, everyone was there. They were waving little flags and cheering, laughing, and saying Merry Christmas. Then it was time to let it snow! Yep, the snow machines were turned on and the cheers and shouts of joy from the kids AND the adults were amazing. I realized at that moment that some of those children have never even seen snow.

It was awesome to see so many people, but more importantly to see so many families there together. They could have been anywhere last night, but they chose to be together, to celebrate, and to show the support of their community. There was so much love felt last night, people coming together to celebrate the season. That love and joy can be felt all year if we open our hearts to it. God is at work my friends, he is showing us every day that he is here, he loves us and wants us to be happy and to share that happiness and love with others.

I’m sure many of you probably watched your community Christmas parade this weekend. I hope you found the love, joy, and pride that I did in ours. We are blessed friends, we live in a beautiful country and are loved by a pretty amazing God, who long ago gave us the most precious gift.

Have a wonderful Sunday, oh, and if you’re in an area where it’s snowed, spend a little time enjoying it 🙂

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.