beach wisdom

Got this in an email from my son in law, Curtis, who IS a great dad. I thought it was soaked in salty wisdom and wanted you to read it.

As you may know, we're on vacation right now with the girls at Atlantic Beach. And we've quickly fallen into a lovely morning routine. Sleep in 'til 9ish. Breakfast together. One episode of "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" Then off to the beach 'til lunch. Upon arriving at the beach, Kyra and Meg along with their boogie-boards make a quick beeline for the surf while Rae and I set up the rest of our stuff. Within five or ten minutes, they're calling for me to join them ... which I do. And here's what I've noticed. When I join them, they don't do anything much different than prior to my arrival. They stumble through the surf; try to catch a big wave with their boogie-boards; pick up shells; look for sea-cicadas and other critters. But when I'm with them, their joy elevates. And this isn't to say I'm some great parent or amazing dad ... but their experience is somehow heightened when I'm taking it in with them.

Last night over a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, Rachel and I were reflecting on this ... and we wondered if this is maybe part of God's hope for us. That we too will find the experiences of life heightened when we recognize our Father is with us ... because He is.

One of the pleasures I have in the way this little family lives is that along with a devout faith they are completely free to embrace ridiculous joy.