More Than Just a Day at the Beach

Fun filled and drama free times of relaxation with family and friends, fresh Saltwater Taffy, a trip to Sweet Frog for some raspberry pomegranate sorbet, the relaxing melody sang by gentle waves tumbling as they meet the shore, the warmth of the sand beneath my feet…those are some of the things that I look forward to when welcoming Summer during a Memorial Day Weekend.  It is a time that we pray for and remember our troops, but it is also the traditional “start of summer”.

This year, the Jeffers Crew (JFAM as I call them), packed up and joined my Brother (In Law), Sister (In Law), three of my nieces and my only nephew for a mini vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. One of the amenities, of the community that they are a part of, is access to a small “private beach”.  This is a great spot to hang around, catch a nice breeze and partake in typical summer beach activities.

One afternoon during the weekend, the entire family was present at the beach.  As I was resting in my beach chair, my eye was drawn to my nephew as he passionately, meticulously, and energetically dug a hole in beachfront.  He was a little man on a mission.  As he dug this hole, he piled up the loose sand so that he could easily begin to mold and create a sand castle.  I was so drawn in by his efforts, that I left my seat of comfort and stood by him and talked to him about his project.  After about 15 minutes, I returned to my seat and continued to watch as he completed his task by creating a moat that even contained seaweed. 

I wasn’t the only one compelled to watch him.  I observed about a dozen people stop, stare and/or inquire about the project that he was diligently working on.  Similarly, when the kids caught and began to care for a turtle that they found, many people were drawn to them.

 

It intrigued me that out of all of the action taking place at the beach, the actions that attracted people to them were the activities where people could observe the passion and diligence of the participant (the building of the sand castle) or the love for others (a turtle in this case).  I began to think:

·         Am I drawing people to the Kingdom of God by the passion that I display toward Kingdom work?

·         Am I drawing people into the Kingdom by the love that I show toward others?

·         Does God’s character flow through me to the point that people are literally stopped in their tracks and take interest?

Matthew 5:14-16(NLT) 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

John 13:35(ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In a dark world, the shining of our light, should draw people in and usher them into the kingdom.  Our love for one another should also identify us with God.  Our Love should be so genuine and selfless that people will clearly identify it as being “supernatural”.  Our passions, gifts and talents should be used as tools not for our glory but for the glory of God and for the good of others.  If you don’t know what your passions and gifts are, speak to God and to Spirit lead people in your circle to discover what your “show stopping” qualities are.  Identify them and use them to “move the crowd” toward a closer walk with God.  

Draw a crowd this summer!!!  Life is more than a beach…

Be Blessed!

B