souldare

Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters . . . (Isaiah 55:1a NASB)

It was a typical Saturday, living on Intuition. We fed the dog, drank our coffee and puttered around the boat. We were commenting to each other how easy it had become to just hang out at the marina.

At the beginning of our adventure, we thought we would take the boat out on weekend expeditions to visit other beaches or islands in this area. But we were content to just be on the water, near the water enjoying a quiet, balmy afternoon.

I got a text from my sister who lives in New Jersey. She asked if the rain had stopped. I texted back yes. We shared a couple more texts, and I “sent her some sunshiney thoughts” since it was brrr cold in New Jersey.

Around lunch time, I needed to walk up to the restrooms. A couple wearing sunglasses and jackets walked towards me. On the dock it is good etiquette to nod or give a greeting when you pass. I was just about to nod at this couple, as they passed me, when the gentleman smiled at me and said, “You look like a Kelly.” I laughed, “That’s funny, my name is Kelly.” He stepped aside and said, “Would you happen to know this lady?” It was Michelle! From New Jersey! She wasn’t at the barn feeding horses and freezing. She was on the dock, surprising me! I hugged her and cried tears of joy to see my sister, who would drive 20 hours to see us.

Her friend, competes in bass fishing tournaments and lives in Florida for some of the winter months. He brought Michelle down for the weekend for some sunshine, and they decided to find us, and take us to lunch.

Michelle suggested we take the boat. We ended up in Clearwater at Frenchy’s. The food was great. We shopped for souvenirs, and then we walked to the beach to see the ocean. We cruised home as the sun set on a very surprising and special day. (Thanks Michelle! And Lee! You all made our day!) We hugged good-bye, and then exchanged some more heart-warming texts that evening.

Tonight, after a relaxing Sunday, I sent her another sunset via text.

Surprises and sunsets are some of my most favorite gifts from God. Each sunset marks one more day closer to saying good-bye to this particular adventure, but I am holding on to each moment. I plan to keep my eyes open for these gifts. I keep reminding myself that the adventure doesn’t end when we leave Florida.

Adventures are “things about to happen”. All of these happenings in life are orchestrated out of God’s deep love for each one of us. A life to be lived with wonder and hope and joy, not because of sunsets or surprises, but because the God, who created these things invited us to participate. He longs for us to come to the waters. He wants to saturate us with love, peace and happiness.

How has God surprised you recently?

 

Here are some more photos from the weekend:

 

Sights along the causeway tonight during my sunset jog/walk: