Rest and Reset

A few weekends back, I took my annual January beach trip to rest and reset. Yes, I love the beach year round, and there’s something special about going in January when the beachgoers are scarce. People think I’m nuts and I’m quite alright with that because I understand the importance of the beach in my life’s rhythms. Just like the rhythm of the waves crashing against the sandy shore, our lives ebb and flow in the same manner. Oftentimes we’re just too busy to slow down and take inventory of that ebb and flow. So for me, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take inventory of what’s ebbing and flowing and what ebbs and flows need to stay and which ones need to go. 

For most of my life I didn't understand the need to slow down, rest, and check on my soul. I didn’t understand how important it was not just to me, but to my family and those around me as well. My role models growing up were go and go and go and when you think you can’t…go some more.  

In 2018, our world got turned upside with a barrage of things I never thought I’d see or deal with in my life. I unlovingly call it our hell year, that ended up lasting almost 2 years. I won’t go into the details of it all, but we had major family issues, surgeries, diagnoses, a flooded house, and to top it all off, the Lord was asking me to let go of a dream–something I had built, and also to step away from leading worship at the church I grew up in–something I thought I’d do til I was just too old. 

As 2018 came to a close and January of 2019 came crashing in with hurricane force winds, I knew I needed to get away from the familiar and just be with the Lord. I needed clarity and I knew just where to go. I called my beach buddy and as crazy as she thought I was, she obliged and tagged along. It just so happened that a storm with a cold front behind it decided to tag along as well. It was 24 degrees the first morning and I don’t know what the wind chill was. But I was determined to sit out on the balcony and watch the sunrise. Donned in my fleece lined leggings, hat, gloves, scarf, best winter coat, and a blanket, I made my way onto the balcony. As I breathed in the bitter cold air, I had no regrets. It was beautiful, and I got to sit in the stillness, with the ocean’s ebb and flow, as the sun was making its way to the horizon, over the edge of the ocean, and into the sky. This was exactly what my soul needed. 

I always knew the beach was a special place for me, but after this first January trip, I realized the importance of starting my year off with rest and a reset that I couldn't find anywhere else. I can’t explain it to you, but it’s my place, the place I feel so near to the Lord. We have history there–walks along the shoreline feeling His nearness, sitting in my chair with toes in the sand hearing His gentle whispers, laid out on my beach blanket trying to nap and He speaks so loudly I’m shook. It’s our place, the place He’s spoken to me so clearly time and time again. No wonder I love it! (This isn’t to say that God can only speak at certain places, because believe me, He’s always speaking. This is just a special place for me whenever I feel stuck or need that reset.)

And so it began a tradition of starting every year off with a beach trip. Each one slightly different, but special in its own way. Do you have a special place you like to go when you need to rest or tend to your soul? I’d love to hear your special place or stories!

All my love,

Angie