Restoration at Summer’s End

This time of year, just before the Autumn Harvest, is a season of restoration—a time to take advantage of the long summer days and do the things that refresh one’s soul and spirit.

The other day, my husband and I took the afternoon off and went to the beach. The weather was perfect, accompanied by a soft ocean breeze.  As my husband walked into the ocean for his swim, I stood on the edge of the shore getting my feet wet. How quickly one’s soul feels refreshed from ocean water!

When he emerged from the water, we joined hands and walked back to our towels to sit and take in the simple beauty of the day.

While the waves broke along the shore, I noticed a family—a dad and six young children, all under the age of ten. The children were all running around freely without a care in the world, dancing among the waves breaking on the shore line.

I felt such a joy watching them. You could tell they were familiar with the beach as they frolicked in the shallow water. Three boys and three girls all took turns to help their father set up fishing poles and tackle box.  The father would take turns showing the children how to hold the fishing rod and cast the line out to sea.  The father’s patience and gentle kindness with each child as he was taught them to fish was so tender to watch.

Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass."

Matthew 4:19 (MSG)

As I watched the children running around with glee, I began to think that this may be a sign of the childlike joy that our Heavenly Father shares in His word. This is the joy He desires us to have every day!  That childlike wonder is what leads us to the restoration of our hearts where there are no disappointments, hurts or flaws. We can restore our faith in the freedom of God’s love with this innocent, almost pure, childlike view.

A soft ocean breeze tousled my hat and brought me back to the scene of the father and his young children.  I continued to watch the father who, ever so patiently, taught each child how to fish.  

His acts reminded me that patience, kindness and love are a reflection of our Heavenly Father’s character and love for us, his children. This is a time for us to restore our faith and trust, and believe in our Heavenly Father’s promises to embrace discovery by living a simple and joyous life.

As the afternoon sun began to sink toward the horizon, the father signaled to his children to pack up the fishing poles and the tackle box. Though they did not catch any fish, I believe they caught an afternoon of loving and joyous memories.  

I watched the family traipse through the sand to their umbrella, beach chairs and towels.  To my surprise, the children quickly picked up their shovels and buckets to start another joyous adventure!

Enjoy this season of restoration and open your heart. Embrace the moments with simple, pure love.