This past weekend our community celebrated Sea Fair for the fiftieth time and for the first time since we've lived here, I didn't watch the parade, visit the site or attend the community worship service. There was nothing wrong with or about the events, I simply needed some quiet time. Quiet except for one part of the weekend that is.
The invitation to break my solitude came with a phone call from Sarah, "Grandma, Mom and I are going to watch the fireworks. Do you want to come?" Without the slightest hesitation I responded: "Sure, I'd love to!"
The display was spectacular, noisy and anything but serene. What meant the most to me, however, was the way in which I was treated by two of the dearest people in my life. From the moment I left the house both Sarah and my daughter-in-law put my comfort first; as we negotiated our way back to the car in near midnight darkness, they stayed close by. Climbing up and down a steep incline to the ocean's short I was aware that they were there to help me if I lost my footing. There's nothing that makes a person feel loved and respected more than being pampered and, I admit, I lapped it up.
As we walked back to the car the words of an old hymn filled my heart and mind: "And He walks with me and He talks with me. And He tells me I am His own" There is nothing on earth to compare with the comfort that comes with being loved, respected and valued by family. Nothing but knowing how deeply we are loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father can top that.
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
That calls for heart-pyrotechnics of praise!
