Disappointment to Opportunity

 

As our convoy of cars drew up to park at the beach, the heavens opened and a heavy shower pounded down onto the earth. That beach was a mile’s walk from the road, a long walk for little 3-year-old legs, so we all piled back into cars and drove on to another beach some had discovered. There, coffee could be purchased, and the stony beach offered opportunities for curious kids to encounter weird and wonderful creatures in the many rock pools.

What seemed a disappointment opened up into an opportunity.

The second beach was littered with clam shells, many lying open and empty, still hinged. In the fringe of shore-line, some discovered that many shells were not only firmly shut, but still filled with clams. Having some trained chefs in the family is such a blessing, as Jamie was able to pull together some clam chowder later on as part of our dinner.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the week just passed, when all 17 of us were able to step out of our usual hectic lives and congregate in a big house on the west coast which afforded activities for all ages, from the well-used hot tub and sauna to the much-used trampoline and table football and snooker.

The weather did not impact our laughter and silliness, our discussions and reconnections, our cocktails and cake, and the opportunities to build relationships with young grandkids/nieces and nephews.

The occasion was a belated Big Birthday for me, postponed by a year due to Covid. The collective embrace of love from my family as they donned the sombreros they randomly found in a cupboard, hung balloons and lit candles was the biggest gift of all.

Thank you seems lame when my heart is this full. God is good, and his blessings never fail.