The View from Here
I woke up this morning to a different view.
You see, for the past week I’ve had a glorious vacation. Jerry and I celebrated our 10th anniversary by taking a trip with a few friends. Our room was right on the beach. The comfy bed, in the spacious accommodations, faced a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased an explosion of beauty each day. Early in the morning, the sun rose over the clear greenish-blue waters of the ocean. Each evening, I’d stare out of those windows and watch the sun kiss the day goodbye as it left orange footprints dancing on the still waters. As far as I could see, the ocean spanned out for miles around, spotted only with coral and the occasional passing boat. For five days and nights I took in the grandeur of this breathtaking view, breathed in the sweet ocean air and rested in the peaceful serenity. This was something to behold; a view hard to beat.
I got back home last night. It was a long day of travel and we were exhausted upon arrival. We dragged ourselves into the house, pulling our carry on luggage, and tumbled into bed. When I awoke this morning, it took me a moment to get my bearings. I rolled over in bed and for just a quick second expected to see the rolling waves of the ocean, the white sandy beaches overrun with seashells and tiny hermit crabs. When I opened my eyes, I was looking for those floor-to-ceiling windows that had given me the view of lifetime for the past few days. But my eyes fell upon a different view.
It’s the view from here.
My undressed bedroom windows; streamlined, boxy and without the architectural detail of the room I’d been in, they didn’t look out on the majesty of the roaring waters of the Caribbean Sea. I opened my eyes and took in a view of trees and fallen leaves.
A backyard of unkempt landscaping and scattered toys.
A swingset filled with cobwebs, surrounded by branches that need to be picked up.
Is that the cup my son was drinking out of last week under the slide?
Ahhh. Now it’s all coming into focus. I’m home, and this view reminds me of that for sure. And that’s when it happened.
A smile surprised me. It crept its way from my heart to the corners of my lips. My soul felt warm and at peace. My shoulders relaxed and I felt joy rising. I’m home, and this is the view that reminds me that my family is here. That there are memories we’ve made and more yet to be created.
The ocean is beautiful, but the view from here is where my heart is. This is home. This is the most beautiful view of all.
Dying to know what’s beautiful in your life today,
Priscilla
Wow - 10 Years
Happy Belated Anniversary to one of my favorite couples, who I hardly know but are refreshing to see together, representing a young godly marriage relationship that the world needs to see more of. Sometime the simplest thing has the largest impact. I can still remember when I first met you guys - your were expecting JC and you were holding hands with your gentle giant of a man, reading something on the passage-way wall. God etched a beautiful picture in my memory bank that evening. I applaud your dedication to each other, your family and us. Wishing you many more ten's - Much love.
Congratulations and my view
Priscilla. This is Paula from FBCG, congratulations to you and Jerry! I am so happy for you guys! This year Billy and I celebrated 11 years.
Pastor and First L.ady came back all tanned and relaxed...so glad that you guys got away from the hustle and bustle. Keep it up!
Talking about view...I woke up early this morning, didn't even realize that I fell asleep last night without taking my jewelry off, didn't wrap my hair, etc...I was tired, but I rolled over to see my son and my husband cuddled together knocked out. This picture is a testament of God's love for me. Every time I see them I am reminded of what He has given me, a loving, compassionate and handsome man of God who loves me in spite of myself and my inabilities; a son who is such a joy and delight and who wakes up with a smile on his face. I am just laying here watching them sleep, knowing I should wash a load, prepare grocery list. Clean bathrooms..but I am basking now in God's love.
Thank you for your blogs...they are so refreshing and uplifting and funny! Love you tell Jerry and the kids hello!
Paula
Great minds think alike...
Paula,
my friend, Rachel Anne, stopped by my blog today and commented on the similarity of our message this morning. I, too, just returned from the Caribbean and am wondering at the joyful spirit that I returned with. I invite you to check it out: www.signsoflifeadventures.blogspot.com .
Thank you for reminding me that as much as I loved the sunshine and ocean waves, I am thankful to be home among the people I love.
Cari
Birthdays
What's beautiful in my life today? My son's 3rd birthday. Three years ago I went into labor on my birthday and had him the next day, Thanksgiving. Just as my mom had me on Thanksgiving day. Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for this time of year!
Ayanna!! Paula!!
Hi Ayanna,
It's so great to hear from you. I didn't know that you were still visiting us on line every now and then.
I hope that you are your son are doing wonderfully!
Paula,
Your family is LOVELY. Please tell your wonderful husband that we said hello and kiss that sweet baby.
Blessings to all of the bloggers who are posting and even those who are just popping in to read (I know you are there).
I hope we'll all take in a "different view" with gratitude for all the Lord is doing in our everyday lives.
Sincerely,
Priscilla
Happy anniversary!
Vacations and getaways are always nice, but I love coming back to the comforts of home. I'm glad you had a nice time. My little family is what's beautiful in my life. I thank God everyday for allowing me to see the beauty of His creation through my children.
The View From Here
There is nothing, to me, like the view standing at the doorway of your children's bedroom and watching them sleep...so peaceful, so carefree, so trusting; listening to the soft sound of them breathing in and out; that little foot that has escaped the covers;the blanket tucked beneath their arms... Nothing like it.
Congratulations on your anniversary getaway, and the beauty that awaited you at home.
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