Covered by grace.

Sometimes you miss the people who made you the adult you are today; you miss the little things and the people who taught you that it's the little things in life that matter most. 

With that said, the kids and I packed up the car at 9 pm Saturday night and hit the open road for the 1.5 hour drive down to my hometown. We wanted desperately to see everyone, but the weather and lack of planning cut us short from visiting some of our favorites. 

We did make it to Yemassee baptist to worship on Sunday. It was so good to see several of the people who had an impact on me growing up. So many treasured relationships brought back to life with a "good to see you" followed by the sweetest embrace. This is what makes me so thankful that I grew up in a 'Mayberry' town. 

We made it out to my dads river lot for some fun out on the dock after Sunday lunch at my grandparents. 

We pulled in the crab pot, spied on fiddler crabs in their natural habitat, and even watched and listened as the rain trampled across the water just in time to soak us a bit before we reached cover. 

My dad enjoyed the view with the kiddos before heading back to a project. 

While we were there my cousin Jonathan showed the kids how to cast a shrimp net, taught them about the full moon, tides and was able to show them the way that a squid protects itself from predators. Jude thought the ink was the coolest. Jude and Ellie Kate each shared the load of carrying the bucket to the end of the dock and were eager to fill it with shrimp. 

We feasted on the fruits of our labor when we got home!

There's something so serene about being out on the water- About being on the river and observing the way the current moves with the moon.

I often think about my life and how it ebbs and flows just as the tide. How this force comes not just from the moon, but from the one who created it. How he looks after the tides and the creatures of the earth and sea; but how much more he looks after me. 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26-26

Tonight we are home. The kids are sleeping and dreaming while I think about the week we are headed into. 

I'm thankful for the little things, but even more so for the bigger things that are covered by His grace. 

 

Not too long ago I posted this on Instagram:

With this caption-

"Ryan and Ellie Kate surprised me with this book 6 months ago. I have laughed and cried through each page every time I've read it. So much of the raw truth of Jesus and the open, willing heart of Angela Thomas to be used by Him in, 'A beautiful offering' have helped heal layers of brokenness over years of hurt. Tomorrow, with unclenched fists, I'm mailing my favorite book full of highlighted, tear-soaked pages to a woman who needs it more than I do. I know her heart will never be the same." 

I sent this book to the sweetest soul because I know her hurt and what it's like to beg God for peace. 

One of my favorite quotes from this book is this: "You speak in love. Act in tenderness. You imitate what you know about peace until it becomes a reality for your character & your life."

Tonight I hope that peace becomes your reality; That no matter how the tides may turn, you rest in knowing you are covered by His grace.