The sky was the bluest blue when we placed our tattered windowpane check bed sheet just inches from the reach of the waves and sparkling waters at our nearby beach. After a sandal was placed on each corner of the sheet, I dropped the large beach bag and then my body onto the sheet.  I sat there, digging my toes into the dampness of the sand.

 

In the moment - that day at the beach - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This little beach excursion had been planned.  Though there have been plenty of decent beach days to take advantage of this summer… the forecast was for a picture perfect day and we didn’t want to miss it.

At least not until I awoke.

The early sun was streaming in the window.  The sky was brilliant blue.  And all I wanted to do was to stay in bed.

How can someone go to bed looking forward to something and awake with ambivalence?

Maybe all the weariness of the wait came crashing down on me.

All I know is that when I finally pushed myself out of bed and got dressed, I was so grateful that breakfast was being prepared for me. It was a good one, too.  Fresh cantaloupe and blueberries and a lovely garlicky mushroom and cheese omelette.  I ate more than I needed and then went back to the bedroom to make the bed.

All I wanted to do was stay home.

It took all my available willpower to keep from plopping down on the bed.

Somehow I managed to gather the items we needed and fill our tote for the beach.

All the way to the waters’ edge I resisted.  (My husband is a gem because he didn’t say anything about my grumpy spirit.)

 

Living in the moment - Lake Michigan Sea Gull - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

But something happened after plopping down on that bed sheet we’ve had for our entire married life.

Maybe it was scrunching the sand with my toes.

Maybe it was the sound of the water and waves.

Maybe it was the lovely breeze or the warmth of the sun on my skin.

Maybe it was watching the children splash and dive into the waves.

Or just maybe…  it was God.

Sitting on the lake shore… I’m in His world and I can’t help but soak up all the (His) goodness.

It took a while for me to quit resisting.

I unconsciously gave it up.

And then my heart started to celebrate.

As I sat there I was released from the wait… the unknown… the wondering… the wrestling… the overthinking…

I no longer needed to think about all the cares that weighed me down.

I relaxed.

My eyes were opened to seeing the beauty around me.

I relished seeing the happiness of families and little ones experiencing the big lake for the first time.

 

That day at the lake where everything changed in that moment - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

And there… there in that moment… I was in the moment.

And in that moment… I experienced the fullness and richness of God.

It wasn’t magical.  It wasn’t surreal.

It simply was.

There was no past and no future.  All time was right there… right then.

And I was free! 

Pin It to remember for Later because it's so good - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Maybe you've had a day like mine. I just didn't want to get up. But if I hadn't I would have missed this incredible moment...

 

It's JoyDay! That day at the beach where I was in the moment. AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s JoyDay!

 

And time to get our joy meters soaring!

Please join me in thinking back over the past week and counting seven things for which you are thankful.  This simple exercise of counting and giving thanks is something we do each week to reset our compasses and put our eyes back on the Lord.

I’ll start…

Thank you, God for…

  1. your everlasting love and grace through a hard week.
  2. another possibility and more waiting.
  3. showing us you are in the details.
  4. the internet which allows us to keep in touch with our hurting missionary friend.
  5. taking care of a single mom in some pretty amazing ways.  
  6. my servant-hearted husband.
  7. a stunningly beautiful day that proclaims your goodness and glory.

Now…it’s YOUR turn!

List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below.  You’ll be glad you did.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet thoughts.

May your week overflow with unimaginable Joy! Signature - AnExtraordinaryDay.netReceive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!
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Comments

  1. Malia says

    What a beautiful post Diane and so well written. Hugs to you!

    • Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Malia!
      Hope you have a wonderful week! {hugs}

  2. Debbi Saunders says

    Thank You God….
    1. for a job possibility for my Son..
    2. a nice lunch and fellowship with 2 friends as we prepare to go back to School…..
    3. a wonderful supper and catching up with a Dear Friend that has been gone all summer!
    4. a glorious summer day spent planting flowers,potting some plants to share with another friend who has just recently moved into her new Home…..
    5. preparing a meal and eating with my Son..
    6. my first 2 days back to school were very busy but productive! and for this Full time job!
    7. lunch and grocery shopping with my neighbor, so enjoyable!

    • Debbi… you have been so blessed this past week. I can’t wait to hear all the good things from this fresh squeaky new week as you look back on it next Sunday! You are richly blessed!! {hugs}

  3. Judy says

    Wow, Diane, what a great post. I could just feel everything you were thinking. So glad you experienced God. It doesn’t get any better than that. He is so faithful.

  4. Rose says

    Hi Diane
    As I read your post it reminded me of a little child, not wanting to do anything. Not knowing what to do with themselves, but sit and feel sad.
    When a child is sad and frustrated where do they go for comfort? they go right to their Mom or Dad.
    That is exactly what you did – You went to your Father – and it made it all better.

    I loved your post.
    I am so grateful for so many things, but I will share 7 of them
    1- That my oldest daughter is so happy with her life & her wife – and that I am excepting all of this.
    2- My youngest has the sweetest boyfriend that truly loves & take such good care of her.
    3- I will be seeing both Aly & Brian in 2 weeks.
    4- For an amazing gentle husband who is there for me all the time.
    5- For my Mom who is 90 and still with us.
    6- For 7 wonderful sisters who love each other so much.
    7- For a beautiful home in which my dear husband is always doing something for me to make it look even better.

    Have a grateful day.
    Much love,
    Rose

    • Rose… you captured it so well. Thank you for that little insight.
      And thank you for sharing your ‘seven.’ God is soo good.

      May your week overflow with JOY!

  5. Gwen says

    What a beautiful post.
    It is Monday. My Sunday was I was brain over load tired. Today it’s been quiet. Peace. No noise. My brain heals.
    1. Curt was so sick but last night decided he was going to work and he did! He seems best working and yes, medical bills have added up.
    2. My friend will take me to see my Mom sometime soon
    3. I have had nice (we have) meals brought in

    4. I can read a book
    5. No. I don’t want to think and cry so I’ll close

    • It’s so amazing that Curt is his best when he is working. Maybe having an activity that requires his focus is what makes it work. When does he have his surgery, Gwen?
      I’m so glad you’ll be able to see your mom. I know the distance is so hard for both of you.
      May your experience God’s healing touch and His presence in the most joyful way this week. {hugs}

  6. I can relate to your post Diane. Just yesterday hubby wanted to go out to the boat which is moored on a lake 45 minutes away. The skies were overcast and thunder storms expected in the afternoon and it just didn’t sound like it was worth the effort. We went anyway and as soon as I planted myself on the bow of the boat and the warm breezes began to blow over me all my worldly cares were brushed away. God lives at the lake!
    Joy Day:
    1. A boat and a lake to escape to.
    2. God’s presence in nature.
    3. Warm summer days that linger on.
    4. A husband who cares about what I’m feeling.
    5. The fact that God has a plan for my life that is uniquely mine so I don’t have to worry about competing with anyone’s else’s God-given plan.
    6. The knowing that whatever the plan it will come in God’s time as He is never late.
    7. Real online friends (like you) who share our highs and lows of life. Seriously, I told hubby on the ride home yesterday that I have some online friends who know more about my struggles than those I do coffee with. Thank you Diane.
    God’s richest blessings to you sweetie!
    Patti

    • Isn’t God crazy good?!?!!
      Patti… I’m so happy that you had the best time away at the lake. 🙂 Yay!!! And I absolutely agree… I sense God’s presence at the lake more than anywhere and I’m so grateful that one of the biggest and best is within walking distance (less than 5 min. by car) of my home.
      Ditto! Ditto! I praise God for my online life and the blessings of the sweetest friendships all over the country and beyond.
      May your heart overflow with JOY this week! {{hugs}}

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