Tag Archives: ocean

reflection, Scenery

Savor the Gift

This photo of the sunset was taken shortly after we arrived at Mykonos on our 3 day cruise last year. We were happy to get there in time to see a spectacular sunset, but subsequently we were mildly disappointed that it was hard to do much exploring of the island once it got dark. Adding to our disappointment was knowing that people taking the same cruise closer to summer would have additional daylight.

So it was definitely a glass half full/half empty experience. Focus on what we were “missing out on“ or simply savor the gift of a beautiful sunset.

Often in life, it is tempting to wish that we had met someone sooner or tried something sooner or were even living in a different era. And yet, we can be certain that God does not make errors in where (and when) we are placed. Savor the gift.

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reflection, Scenery

Perspective

This is another photo taken out the window of an airplane. I love the views that are only possible from such heights. This particular photo was taken on the way home from Jamaica. It is looking toward the Bahamas, shortly after passing over Cuba. The line between the light blue and dark blue is the margin of a trench between Cuba and the Bahamas.

A much deeper trench is The Cayman Trench which runs along the northern side of Jamaica between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (and Cuba). It is up to 25,000 feet deep. We look out on this trench for much of the drive from the airport to the hotel where we stay in Jamaica. A very different view, to say the least.

Perspective- not something we always control.

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reflection, Scenery

Seek the Lord

The song “Seek the Lord, while He may be found” has been going through my head this morning. Probably because the daily reading for today (Mark 1:29-39) has the disciples searching for Jesus after he went off to a deserted place to pray.

This photo is from our flight to Jamaica last week. In the distance, you can just barely see the airport runway lying next to the sea. I continue to be amazed by the technology that allows us to find a dot on a map from thousands of miles away. Thankfully, we also have the tools we need to find God.

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reflection, Scenery

Light for the World

Another sunrise. This one is in Jamaica.

The beginning of the day. Light for the world.

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

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reflection, Scenery

New Year

This is a photo of sunrise at Kiawah Island from a couple of years ago. Kiawah is a regular destination for Marylynn‘s family and there are many routines that a part of these trips. As you might guess, spending time on the beach is one of those routines. Another is getting together with the whole family (40+ and growing) for dinner most nights. There’s riding bikes, game nights, and scavenger hunts. These vacations are highly anticipated. And they are over before you know it.

The sunrise is a good analogy for the New Year. There is anticipation and expectations. Some things are easily predicted; some events will surprise. Despite the tendency to look ahead, it is important to savor the moment.

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reflection, Scenery

Looking Back

This photo was taken looking back as we left Kusadasi on our recent trip to Greece (with one day in Turkey). The wake leaves a clear sign of where we came from.

As we bring 2018 to a close, there is value in looking back and reflecting on the past year. To see where we came from and how we got where we are.

It was a good year; it was a difficult year. We welcomed our third grandchild (good); we watched our son move to Philadelphia (difficult). We said goodbye to the Grand Poopah (difficult); we celebrated Marylynn’s retirement (good).

In life, as on a cruise ship, knowing where you came from doesn’t tell you exactly where you are going. But it does give a sense of direction.

Blessings to you in the new year!

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