And other times we need to be reminded that we too are so loved and cherished by God. Sometimes we need to be reminded to look at those around us from the perspective of God who loves everyone we see. God is able to see them for the unique, beautiful, special person they are. There are people in our lives that we would not want to collect or allow in our own buckets but who God loves dearly. The way my daughter saw the items in her bucket is the way God sees all of us. Everything she picked up was beautiful or special in its own way and in a way she could see that they rest of us just missed. And what were we doing carrying around a bucket that was half pebbles? And yet, to her, each and every thing in her bucket was a piece of treasure.

Seaweed is not something I have ever chosen to collect. Most of the shells were broken or had holes in them. What was fascinating to me was that she didn’t just pick out things that I, or anyone else for that matter, would have deemed beautiful. Seaweed also made it into the bucket along with small pieces of driftwood or stones. We grabbed a bucket and made our way down along the surf looking for shells.Īs we went along she would pick up a shell here or there. Still, I couldn’t resist saying yes to her. The fact that I am in my third trimester carrying her little sister and that I might not be up for a walk on the beach did not occur to my daughter. One day my 4 year old daughter asked if we could go for a walk and search for shells.

It’s made all the more special now that I get to see my kids wandering the beach, digging in the sand, and playing with their cousins. Extended family and friends all rent beach houses and stay for the week spending time catching up, relaxing, and playing together.Īs someone who grew up by the beach I love a good beach vacation. This pilgrimage to Cape May has been a family tradition on my husband’s side for generations.

I recently got back from a week-long family vacation to Cape May, New Jersey.

Lord of the Deep by Dawn Thompson