Relationships: Reflecting on Memories
- Across the fields the summer sun
- Is shining, and the breeze
- Flows gently through the trees
- Like waves upon the summer seas.
- The wild flowers all along the fence
- Are dancing in the sun.
- The bees are buzzing through the fields. . .
- I’ll bet their work is fun.
- Look, there’s a path upon the hill;
- Please come and walk with m.
- For overtop the hill and down,
- A meadow we will see.
- For in the meadow there’s a brook
- That I once waded through,
- And in the meadow there are flowers
- Of every shade and hue.
- Come walk, with me along that brook
- And share this day with me.
- As carefree children once again
- We live in memory.
– Bonnie Gaunt
Our lives are sprinkled with a variety of memories. Some of those memories bring a smile to our face while others bring a tear of sadness to our eyes. Memories can come rushing back when one or more of our senses are spiked such as a familiar place, smell, or sound.
When we walk along a stream or visit a familiar area with a family member or friend we get a glance into the past. It’s important to take the time to remember those good times. Relax in a quiet walk with someone dear to us. Taking the time to laugh at the good times and great memories we have shared over the years. Life goes by quickly and no one is guaranteed another day, but we have today so let’s make the best of what we have with those we love.
Travel & Vacation: One Last Trip Around the Ship (Part 2)
One last walk on the track around the ship – Daddy and Brina
Since we had a little extra time after breakfast we decided to go for a walk around the ship one more time to soak in all the memories and the girls wanted to take a few extra pictures. We were one of the last few people off the boat (we weren’t in a rush anyway because our flights didn’t leave until the afternoon) so we didn’t see a lot of people mostly just workers cleaning and prepping for the next crowd to come aboard later that day.
Another view of the kids pool area. This one has a better picture of the “circle” pool that the kids enjoyed. It looks like its currently being cleaned.
Brina walking on the track of the open deck
Brina soaking it all in one last time!
Karlie loved cruising!
Heart Reflections: Walk That Mile
As I was walking on the treadmill one morning earlier this week I realized…..whether it’s the first mile you have walked in years or the final mile in a marathon after months of training that first mile is always the hardest. You have to remain focused and determined to finish. You may not notice the fruit of all the hard work invested right away but over time you’ll build up endurance, strength, and that extra energy you need to get through each day. It really is worth it, stay focused.
It is hard enough for me to get up early and walk my one mile or more but yet often I set similar expectations on others. I figure if I can raise multiples, write a blog post for the day, work, maintain my house, attend activities, and everything else I manage to squeeze into my day surely everyone else can do the same. Right!? These type of expectations are not healthy, mainly because I have no idea of what complications or road blocks the other person faces in their lives.
On the outside most people may look like they have it all together when in reality everything really could be falling apart. Only God sees their heart. If I had to walk a mile under the weight and pressure they are baring I would most likely crumble. God does not call me to walk in their shoes but down the path He has given me. While my day to day stress is not the same as my neighbors with His guidance I can have many opportunities to make a lasting imprint on the lives of others. Instead of judging others or getting jealous of the easy life they seem to have set before them I need take those first steps down the next mile in my own life to focus on what God has for me to do today in my corner of the world.
