OFF INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER

(Follow up to June 15, 2012 blog.)

“Mom, want to go on a cruise with us?” our son asked.

It took me about - maybe - a blink of an eye to say, “YES.”

So, son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and I made plans for our first cruise. Off we went into the wild blue yonder. And I loved it!

The boarding was easy and my room was a little bit bigger than I thought it would be. The waters were calm and I never had one moment of sea sickness. The food was great and we enjoyed time together and time apart.

Everywhere we went someone was taking pictures. As we boarded. As we went to the island. When we were dressed for our formal night.

I love the formal picture. Don’t we look all spiffy? A fine looking group!

But I like the next picture better. As I was getting off the ship to go into Nassau, Willie (aka son Bill) grabbed me and said, “Growl like a pirate.”

So I did and from then on we were known as the best picture of the cruise. We just didn’t care how we looked. We just growled like pirates. We just had fun!

And isn’t that what vacations are about? Having fun. Leaving cares behind. Not worrying about how you look or standing tall and proper for the camera.

I must admit I had one worry before we left. Although I have been on boat tours, I have never been far away from land. How would it feel to be so far out that I could not see land? Would I be scared?

SCRIPTURES

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:5

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

OFF INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER

How would it feel to be so far out that I could not see land? Would I be scared?

SILLY ME!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

When have you ever felt scared and then thought, “Silly me.”?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Thank you for opportunities when, for a short time, I can leave my cares behind. Thank you for times when I can just relax and have fun. Thank you for times I can just be me. Thank you for times when I am a bit anxious or scared because those are the times when I know you are there. Those, Lord, are the times I know your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Thank you Lord. Thank you. Amen