Inspirational Sand

Shoveling inspirational sand into our summer sand pails may become a summer favorite.  Although we haven't picked out our buckets, intentional and surprise situations are begging us to shovel the sand.

One large scoop of inspirational sand came on Sunday as we celebrated a birthday very few people will ever experience themselves.  My mother-in-law traveled to her surprise lunch with our family.  We gathered at an establishment which she had driven past for decades. 

Just the fact that this restaurant had been established in 1919 is surprising, yet this day it would host our family gathering to celebrate a

97th Birthday!! 

Just imagine what changes my mother-in-law has experienced in her lifetime.  How easy it is to forget the importance of celebrating LIFE!  Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy being celebrated?

Still living on her own in her home she gives the example of how to just enjoy life.

Forget all the health advice...she has followed very little of it, and yet, she is healthy and alert, with an understanding about life that most of us will never hold.  She has always been the example of contentment.

Scoop number 2 - Vacation Bible School - who doesn't grow spiritually through VBS?  Benjamin hit the floor ready to go on Monday morning. I praise all those who give their time and efforts to this worthy event each summer.

Scoop number 3 - Evening picnic in the park.  After a trip to the used book store we took our blanket to the park.  I had made chicken salad and served it in Mason Jars...bright colored forks to add a zip to our picnic.   The wonder of just being outside as the sun shut its eyes.  Benjamin watched the birds and collected pecan leaves for his nature book, along with chasing a baby frog.  Long legs (my 16 year old, who is 6'3") became an adventurous young boy  hoping across the stream...stretching out his legs to see if he could make it without falling into the water.    His braces-exposed grin shows how nature just calls us to come play...skip across the stream, run after the birds...breath in the air.

I read the beginning of one of my newest books...the words captivated the truth I was hearing in my spirit, as I watched Benjamin climb on the playground.

I sit on my favorite rock, looking over the brook, to take time away from busy-ness, time to be.  I've long, since stopped feeling guilty about taking being time; it's something we all need for our spiritual health, and often we don't  take enough of it.

Walking on Water - Madeleine L'Engle

I can truly say my mother-in-law has always know how to have being time.  She has never worried about to-do list and never forgets to have her pie and coffee.

Scoop number 4 - My Inspirational Sand Book List

• Les Miserables- by far the most impressive musicals I have ever seen...even if it was over 20 years ago.  This December it will be brought, once again, to the movie screen and I just have to take the time to read before I stand in line to be one of the first to see this movie.  Grace and Law....how beautiful depicted!  This trailer gives me goose bumps!
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• Walking on Water - Madeleine L' Engle
• The Irrational Season - Madeleine L' Engle
• The Betsy-Tacy Treasury - Maud Hart Lovelace - yes for me
• Benjamin's collection is growing...because his mother loves children's books
• To Kill a Mockingbird - for long legs, as he begins his summer reading also

Scoop number 5 - Outdoor concert with hits from the 70's.  This will be fun...while my teenage son will be making fun of the oldies, I will be re-living my wonderful teenage years in my mind.  Benjamin will probably be dancing....this will be a fun scoop.

Scoop number 6 for this week.

My 32nd Wedding Anniversary

I hope you are having fun scooping some summer sand inspirations.