Sharon Kinsey's Reflections

Those of us who vacation at the beach often say we return with shells in our pockets and sand in our shoes. The days we spend by the seaside restore the soul. We soak up the sun, ride the waves (for some of us, that’s a mere memory), build sandcastles, rest, relax, and reflect. In the words of Rolf Edberg, “In the still moments by the sea, life seems large-drawn and simple. It is there we can see into ourselves.” 

Last Friday, I took my morning cup of coffee out on the deck early in the morning. I had a paper plate with a bagel covered in raspberry jam. There had been a fierce storm the night before which we took as a welcome respite from the extreme heat of the previous seven days. We stayed in a new beach house this year. We’d stayed in the same place for seventeen years, but the owner decided he would only be renting to family. We’d begun to think of it as “our place.” Everyone was a little apprehensive about what the new beach house would be like….and it turned out to be just lovely! But the amazing thing about it was, sitting on the deck, we could see the old house two doors away from where we’d stayed with our boys back in the seventies and eighties. Wonder of wonders, it was decorated with the same white wooden seagulls that graced the same deep green siding it had back when the Kinsey boys ran up and down the steps to the outdoor shower.

As I sat rocking, one eye on the seagulls who were alert and staring at the bagel, I closed my eyes for a bit. I heard my father’s voice as he taught my brother and I how to play quoits and paddleball. I listened to my mother extolling the virtues of Jersey produce - tomatoes, corn, blueberries, and the best cantaloupes on the planet. I pictured my aunts, my cousins, high school friends, my brother, my niece and nephew. There was the mountain of beach chairs, umbrellas, frisbees, boogie boards, bikes, and sand pails piled against the side of the green house. Jack and my dad were playing cribbage at the kitchen table. It was a cacophony of voices and images from my past, reminding me of the simple pleasures which are still so dear to my heart.

It reminded me of the phrase “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 which talks about those folks who demonstrated great faith and are now cheering on those of us who believe as we make our own journey. My friends and family, many of whom are gone now, were surrounding those of us who were treasuring the summertime joys of Stone Harbor. God delights when his followers are happy. When we find ourselves in places of beauty, and we celebrate God’s good creation, we experience the joy that has the power to heal both physically and emotionally. In closing, I hope you will remember Psalm 16:11 — “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Sharon