wonder

I was just in Florida. Anna Maria Island. It was beautiful and quiet. The weather was perfect - 70's and 80's. I spent most of my days on the beach worshipping along with my iPod, reading scripture, and reading a couple of books. A lot of time was just spent soaking up the serene beach.

There were so many moments where I just felt so loved by God. I prayed very simple prayers and God answered them. Things like - 'God, it would be awesome to see a dolphin', or 'can you bring that really tall bird over here so I can see him?' But, God answered all my seemingly silly requests and gave me some wonderful surprises too. The first time I saw one of the dolphins was during sunset. As we watched the sun going down a dolphin jumped right up out of the water - right in front of the sun. And when I asked to see the tall bird (later I found out it was a Heron), the Lord brought him right in front of me, along with a bunch of sandpipers, and seagulls playing over head, and pelicans diving in the ocean just beyond. Birds were everywhere - it was so beautiful - and I knew that God had brought them to me to show me all His handiwork. And my heart worshipped and thanked Him. He just kept the gifts coming  all week long, moment after moment.

I went on this retreat not knowing what to expect but hoping for some big things. I did not get the big things I was hoping for. I did not get a lot of clarity, direction, or vision from the Lord. But, I am thankful for His love and His presence and all the beauty He showed me. I am thankful that he showed me that He cares about even my small desires. He showed me what it is to see His wonder again and just worship Him with childlike thankfulness.