You've Got Sand Where?!

Last week we spent time at Epworth by the Sea, a United Methodist Retreat Center on St. Simons Island, GA. The sun was hot, the waves small, and the McElroys got a bit burned. In spite of lots of sunscreen. There was sand everywhere~inside our suits, our car, in our hair and on our bodies. In spite of the inconvience of sand, salt, and sunburn, we had a wonderful time.

What made it great was spending time together. Tom had meetings and the children had some fun with other pastor's children. But, for the most part, we had lots of free time. We could hang out together without the need to be somewhere else. We could linger after meals and talk, or ride bikes for hours~and the men of the family did, riding all over the island. We could exercise, walk, talk, or take naps.

But the other thing that happened is that we spent time talking with other friends in ministry. Stories were exchanged, prayers were prayed, laughter was shared, hearts were opened. And by the end of the week we remembered something really important: We're not in this thing called ministry alone. There are others who understand. While they may not be close enough to see all the time, they're only an email or phone call away. And to me, that's one of God's greatest gifts to us.

So, even though the sand got everywhere and made things uncomfortable, the beauty of the beach is makes up for the momentary frustration. Just like friends along the journey help us remember that our frustrations are but "light and momentary afflictions." And I, for one, am grateful for the reminder that God never intended me to do this thing called life all alone.