Life is Sailing

(written Saturday, August 16, 2025)

I woke this morning prepared mentally for a trip but needing some time outside before we loaded into the van. So I laced up my tennis shoes and headed toward the beach. Normally I would slip on my slippers (flip-flops for mainlanders) and enjoy foot freedom, but my toe is still slowly working through its injury.

Although the hot Florida sun had already begun to heat up the day, being outside felt amazing. I strolled along the docks, enjoying the pleasant sounds of a Florida Saturday morning. The smell of the salt water, the sound of boaters preparing their pontoon boats, trailers backing into the water, people chatting happily, a casual “Mornin’, ma’am.” I smiled and sighed. I love being outside by the water.

Leaving the wooden-planked docks, my shoe-covered feet found the squeaky white sand of the beach. All the way to the end of the small, empty beach I strode until I reached the very last beach chair. Its view was the best. I could see the stretch of beach and the boat launches. Out of the shade I dragged the green chair close to the water. Shoes came off and my toes, even my injured one, dug into the sand, the water lapping gently up my ankles. Cold and refreshing.

I thanked God for where I was and for the beauty right there.

Life gets busy sometimes and keeps us away from the activities that bring peace. Today, before a big trip, I needed that breather before sitting in a full van all day. Our delayed departure was totally worth it.