INSPIRASUNS

I’m not a fan of the days getting shorter. The whole drive to work in the dark, drive home in the dark thing, nah, not a fan. However, I have to admit, the sun setting a little earlier allows my husband and me to stop on the way home from work and catch a sunset on the beach.

Last night was one of those nights. We had a dinner program at church and as silly as it sounds, I think Father placed individuals in our path to time our leaving. Just as we were heading to our car a group of parishioners were standing outside. We stopped to chat, realizing that we were all Big 10 sports fans 🙂 . After a little “remember when” about some great football and basketball games, we said our goodbyes and headed out.

As we pulled out of the parking lot I could see that the sun was just coming down low on the horizon. Then, when we turned onto the main road in front of the beach, yep, there it was. I mentioned to my husband that we should stop, and he wasn’t up for it because we hadn’t thought to bring a change of shoes. Well, you know me and the beach, nah, that didn’t stop me.

Just a few blocks more, and I made the detour and took a left turn onto the street that holds our favorite beach entrance. I noticed then that a woman ahead of us had done the same thing. She parked right in front, hopped out, and hustled onto the sand. I saw the big orange ball just touching the water as I parked. I too hustled to the sand, yes, dress shoes and all, only to realize that I had just missed it. The woman ahead was just coming back my way and said, “Hurry you can still catch it”. Alas, the orange ball had passed down into the water.

I was a little bummed, but you know what, something more important than that sunset happened. As soon as I stepped onto that sand, the ocean breeze hit me. I heard the waves, and right then I felt Father’s presence. My goodness the calm that came over me, and the pure feeling of God was right there in that moment was unmistakable. I stood there and looked up and down the beach and just briefly listened to the water and the wind. At that moment, I was so glad I took the detour and stopped.

Later in the evening after getting home a friend texted me and asked if I had seen the sunset. She said she missed it, but was just admiring the incredible clouds in the sky. I told her about stopping and also agreed the clouds were amazing. It was almost like Father sent a confirmation to yes, take the time and the detour when the opportunity arises.

Friends, this life is short, but the opportunities to be with Father are many. So yes, take the detour, enjoy the sunset, take the walk, call the family member, be there for the stranger. Whatever your heart is calling you to do at the time, listen.

Have a great day my friends!

Continued prayers lifted for Emily Rea and her family. Lord Jesus, please hear our prayer and bring Emily home to her family, in your name we pray Jesus.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.