A women's retreat lent me the opportunity to take my own advice. Cassie, Caroline, and I stole away to a northern most corner of Oregon for solitude. We three stole away to the beckoning beach instead of attending one of the evening meetings and there discovered twilight carrying on silently while only two blocks away hundreds of women sat shoulder to shoulder back on the conference grounds, inside a huge stuffy chapel, singing about the glories of God, and then listening to a speaker instruct them in the importance of Quiet Time away from the busyness of life. 
Twilight, low-tide, a clear, shallow river emptying placidly into a very pacific ocean, while a slender crescent moon reflected the long-set sun both in the sky and in the waters. Strolling down the campfire-dotted beach, sparcely populated with lovers here and families there, we discovered intimacy enveloped in vastness. The evasive serenity sought in the music and messages of the meetings was here, in minds and senses responding to the primal creation of God.
"Mom, you know, it was really nice of God to give us all this beauty so that we could tolerate living in a broken world," sighed Cassie, outstretching her young arms widely toward the red hues and deep blues of twilight and the roaring, curling, crashing of the white waves, her muscles reaching and relaxing into the rhythmical music and widespread colorworks of God's nature. And thus began the flowing of words and thoughts among three seeking souls on a tiny turning planet. Unforced. Unexpected. Undeniable.
Meetings have a purpose. A very important purpose.
Wisdom discerns the needs, then finds the time and place to meet them. For my daughters and me, the beach at twilight was the supreme place and time for the soothing of our frazzled selves, a meeting of minds and hearts without a building and within ever-deepening understanding.
Caroline and Cassie: Sandwalkers.
Wish we could take credit for building this, but alas, no.
It was a glorious two hours!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And the next day....to the Toy Store!
13 comments:
Beautiful - Its not often we get to put our preaching into practice so soon or so perfectly. And what great photos. x
From serenity to combat ready: this post says it all, Cherie. :o)
A lovely post. I probably would have skipped the meeting, too, if I had that beach to go to. Lovely contrast with the girls in the toy store holding a toy gun of some sort...
Thank you, Liz!
Yep, Deanna, from serenity to soldiers in 24 hours. What's wrong with this picture! Ha!
WC, the girls were amazed at the large variety of noise-maker guns and military toys in this particular store, and what young ages they were geared toward. Surprised me, too. Silly girls having fun.
I always figured if God wanted us to sit in indoor churches, he'd have created some. My people are real big on outdoor places of worship:)
Makes sense to me, Mike!
You are fortunate to have had the chance to spend precious time with your precious daugthers. It looks enchanting! The photos are wonderful. Thank you Cherie!
I absolutely love the quote by Cassie...it is exactly how I hope to raise my daughter to think...
What a beautiful little window into your weekend, it sounds absolutely divine.
Looks absolutely beautiful... creation is such a gift hey! I suspect we'd all be happier if we took the time to listen, observe and hear God speak in the loveliness. Every post I read from you and Deanna, the more convinced I become that I'll have to come to Oregon one day!
What a memorable experience with your daughters. I am sure they will always cherish the memories they make with you.
Annie, Fortunate, precious, and enchanting. You are right on! Glad you like the photos. Thanks!
Summer, Isn't it fascinating learning about the experiences of other moms who are in different stages than we are? I adore hearing about you and Indy. Mothers and daughters - deep deep deep. Thanks for your kind comment.
Cecily, Creation is such a gift, yes indeedy. I do so hope you get the chance to visit our neck of the woods, just as I hope I get to visit yours one day, too.
Des, You are so sweet. Thanks for a very kind sentiment.
I'm with Cecily, Deanna's and your posts are a great inspiration to come to Oregon.
Cherie, God has given you a gift of expressing what life is from the inside out. You express the inside of yourself so beautifully; with your expression, I am always changed. Thank you.
Sandy, hop on Cecily's plane from Tassie and come on out!
Your words made my eyes mist, Sandy. Thank you very very much. You are so good to me.
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