If I haven’t been to the beach in a while, I begin to crave it. That was the case this year. It had been over two years. We are bad about planning and then cancelling. Then we thought we’d wait until September, but July seemed like a new adventure. So we planned. I made (very) last minute reservations trying to be sure this time! I had already been studying traffic patterns for a while to try to determine the best time to travel without driving at night because I literally hate the traffic on high-speed highways. My cousin asked me if it was because I was afraid of having a wreck. At first, I said that I just hate it. But then I said, “I guess it is.” It seems like everyone is in such a hurry that there is no tolerance or patience, thus creating more dangerous travel for themselves and those on the road with them. I felt that God had gently and kindly let me know that He can protect me on the road to ‘there’ as much as anywhere. Still, do I like the traffic? No. Do I think the intolerance, impatience, and road rage is a sign of the times? Yes.
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.””
Daniel 12:4 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/dan.12.4.ESV
So in cases such as this, I must trust. I told Steve that a vacation in general is a kind of trust, like taking a Sunday rest, but extended. It is a form of trusting God with our time and resources in order to be able to honor Him with rest, and reconnect with each other, or in past cases with our kids, in a way that is different from the day-to-day.
On Friday (before I made reservations), Steve bent over and raised up, and hurt his back. I asked if we needed to stay home, and he felt that he could rest there as easy as here. So we continued. The problem came after the 10-hour drive down. We went to eat an early supper before checking into the room, which by the way, was a favorite restaurant that had been several years since we’d had. I had THE best flounder and tartar sauce! By the time we finished and got to the hotel, he could barely walk. I had packed up the car before we left since his back was out; and now I unloaded—in screaming heat!
By the time we arrived in South Carolina, it was 99 degrees, “feels like 112” with an extreme heat warning…and we were on the 19th floor! The ocean breeze was aloof from our balcony. By the time I had the luggage carrier to the room, I felt like I was throwing all the stuff into the hallway of our condo…the suit cases and shoe bag and camera bag and food bags and cooler and the beach bag and…well, you get the idea. By the time we settled in for the evening, I was pooped. We had gotten up early to try to beat that traffic…with some “luck” but not entirely. But God was faithful, and we arrived safely!
The condo was nice overall; and overall, it was clean. I accept the fact that it is the beach and sand is tracked in and seems endless, and although most areas were great, the floor was a little grittier than I would hope for. Having said that, I can’t complain! I adjusted. And, the view was picture perfect!
I have never chosen to stay across the street from the ocean, but at this place, it was no problem at all. There was only one smaller building or two in front of us, and these cute little bungalows across the street…right on the beach. (I’d like to have one of those.)
The first full day (Monday) was Steve’s birthday. I went to pick up groceries; picked up Steve some binoculars so he could watch for sea animals, and a cane to stabilize his walking. I grabbed him an Oreo ice cream cake for his birthday and rushed back because I had left the cooler in the room, and it was another “extreme heat” day! I made it with the cake in tact. I cooked, and we had cake and celebrated!
That night, I was exhausted. I got up from bed and got on the love seat. Steve didn’t sleep well all week because of his back. So, that night he got up and went (past me) to the balcony and saw a beautiful lightning show over the ocean. I am normally a very light sleeper (or, at least used to be!). I was sleeping so sound that, not only did I not wake up when he went out, but I didn’t wake up when he tried to wake me to see the show until the second or third try. It was crazy beautiful, and worth waking up for—I think! Haha
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, I fixed breakfast and straightened up the condo. You may know if you’ve read some of my previous posts that I love to organize things. So, when we go on vacation, I like to basically move in—at least somewhat. I told Steve that’s why it’s nice to stay a full week because it takes a few days to get settled and acclimated to the space that isn’t your norm. A beach stay is unlike my short Amish Country trips where I mostly stay at the same place and feel comfortable immediately because it is 100% familiar.
Tuesday evening, we did venture down to the beach with Steve taking it slow and using his cane, trying to move around to help his back ‘get back.’
By Thursday, we attempted an outing for breakfast in hopes of going a few places. I got my strawberry waffles! If you know me very well, you know there are many things that I love, but there are a few things that are at the tip-top of the love-LOVE list (not counting the obvious—my family)!!
- The beach / The ocean
- Fall
- Snow
- Swimming
- HOME
- Pizza ~and~
- Strawberries!
So…I like to enjoy strawberry waffles when I go to the beach! They did not disappoint! By the time breakfast was over, however, Steve was pretty miserable from the seating at the restaurant, so we had to adjust our plans. After a couple of pit stops, back to the room we went.
One of those stops was for Krispy Kreme donuts. The help seemed short and the wait was long…so long that I texted Steve (who sat in the car) to make sure he was ok with the wait. He was ok there, so I waited…probably 35 to 45 minutes! Due to the wait, I grabbed a hat, following suit of my “in-line buddy” who picked up some for her kids. Why not?! Let me just insert that with our adjusted plans throughout the week, the wait was worth it.
The heat was in plenty most of the week, and the rain came and went for several days; but God did not fail to give us several spectacular shows throughout…ending with a short, tiny rainbow that felt like a sweet, personal reminder from Him.
Friday, I was sure that I had a the perfect plan that would fit Steve’s needs as well as my own desires. We’d go out and about, hit the Fun Plaza, (a vintage arcade from my childhood that I have always loved and simply want to go back for old times’ sake), and do a little shopping for t-shirts and the palmetto decal that I wanted for my car window. Then, we’d have a beach day Saturday. However, Steve simply wasn’t ready. Here is where I share my disappointment, lessons learned, and victory in Jesus.
Throughout the week, we had to adjust many of the plans that we discussed before we went. Steve had even shared some things that he wanted to do, like play miniature golf, which was exciting because the last few vacations, he hadn’t wanted to do much extra. I will say that we still enjoy getting away and simply relaxing, but there is no harm in doing a little bit of both. Regardless of the changes, we were still enjoying each others’ company and hanging out in the room. I did, however, have a little trouble adjusting to a few of the changes/difficulties.
I felt for Steve because of not being able to sleep well at all, whether he tried the bed or the love seat. The very unusual thing was that I was sleeping better than I usually do when I go away. I was happy to help him and wait on him as needed; but there were a couple of times that I felt at least a little disappointed. When that happens, I know that I need to analyze my attitude, and more importantly—pray!
God is so good to meet us where we are and help us to see where we need to step up, step back, or change. Once we see, then—if we are willing—he will help us to either, make the necessary adjustments to line up with His will, or change us where we can’t change ourselves. Here is the thing…submitting to what He is asking may feel daunting, but when we do, it changes practically everything regarding the situation, but especially our demeanor and attitude.
Our change of plans on any given day of our trip still resulted in fun and time away together. And…that Friday, that my plans changed resulted in a wonderful beach day. I rented a beach umbrella and chairs to save from the heat and sunburn. Steve was able to join me there. The July ocean water was so warm that I couldn’t resist it.
On Saturday, I took a satisfying morning beach walk. Then we were able to do a little shopping after another delicious breakfast that may or may not have included some chocolate and pancakes (wink-wink). We did a little shopping, and then had another beach day. We watched some girls feed the seagulls, and I got some neat photos. Later that evening, I had some more seafood at one of the places we had planned and checked off the list.
The conclusion of the week involved a rare and unusual decision to leave at 10:00p.m. Saturday night. We had prayed a certain and specific way about when would be the best time to leave and agreed to, “Let’s go.” after a little relax time. To say it was pleasant driving all night, I cannot. The traffic was lighter but staying awake wasn’t easy. I needed to try to stay awake to make sure he did. At one point early on, we did have someone run us off the road, but God’s hand of protection was there. We arrived back in Rio Grande to eat breakfast at Bob Evan’s by around 7a.m. hoping we wouldn’t fall asleep during breakfast or need a nap to travel six more minutes home!
We were so glad to be home but so glad we went. The time together, the beauty of God’s creation, the laughter and the (few) tears…all were blessings and/or met with a reminder that “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.8.28.ESV
The beach was calling, and I’m glad we went.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 