Finding Serenity

Stump Pass - Cal Shook

Have you hit that point where you feel like you are working as hard as you can to get things done, but are getting nowhere?

Maybe finding serenity will help.

What is serenity? It’s a feeling of calm and tranquility.

When I think of a state of tranquility, I think of how it feels to have an infant’s limp sleeping body cradled in my arms.

How do we find serenity?

My husband Jim’s and my search for serenity and renewal came this past month. An opportunity to head for warmer climate presented itself and we made the decision to leave our busy schedules and go for it. We're glad we did.

Home and feeling renewed, the following thoughts about the experience have reminded me of ways I can continually find and keep serenity and hopefully encourage you to do the same.

Get Away

It’s twenty degrees as we load up the car with our carry on luggage .  Twenty minutes later we're heading into the terminal at Pease Airport and through security.

After three hours in the air we touch down in Englewood, Florida.  As we exit the plane and head down the stairs, the sun hits my face and warmth floods my soul. It''s sixty degrees but it feels much warmer.
With a rented car and a short drive we reach our vacation destination.

Step Out of the Ordinary  

Our vacation accommodation is half of a one story duplex that has the look and feel of a welcoming cottage with light colored walls and a wrap around screened in porch. As we open up the doors and windows, it feels light and airy.

Other than what we’ve brought, everything is new to us:  from what we cook with to what we sleep on. Though this feels a little disorienting at first, it turns into an adventure as we discover what's been left for us to use.

Lemon Bay - Cal Shook

Find Sanctuary

A short walk from where we are staying is a wildlife refuge - Stump Pass Beach State Park. We check it out.  Its soft sandy paths run along Lemon Bay and wind around to the Gulf Coast.  Bark-less light colored hard woods reach toward the sky in reverent fashion.  Archways that provide shade beckon us to pass through to see what’s new on the other side. Wildlife come and go, continually changing the landscape.

The finale of the day, a picturesque sunset.

Many more memories would be made along these paths throughout our time on Manasota Key as well as other scenic walks in the area.

Keep it With You

Gulf Coast Sunset - Cal Shook

We felt rested and revived. When it came time to leave, packing up our belongings was hard.  I decided that I'd pack up the memories and keep them with me - to use as needed.

Getting away separated us from the business of everyday life; giving us an chance to gain new perspective.

Stepping Out of the Ordinary and doing something different provided an escape from the monotony our daily routine and freed us up to savor something new.

Finding Sanctuary in a wildlife refuge and other walks along the ocean and ponds brought us peace and relaxation.

By the end of the trip my restfulness and ability to sleep matched that of a sleeping infant.

In small ways, I can do one or all three of the above to foster serenity.

How about you?  What helps you during times of stress?

Daily Vacations

Photo Credit: Cal Shook 

Picture the weight of the world being lifted. You are experiencing perfect peace.

Where are you located?

For me it is at the ocean. Watching the tide go in and out is like having my cares washed out to sea.  The world can wait while my soul is restored.

Rest During a Storm

After a day ministering to others, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples,then made his way to the back where he laid his head on a pillow and fell asleep.  As the boat makes its way toward the next shore, a storm hits.  The boat rocks violently and starts to capsize.  The disciples wake Jesus shouting. "We're drowning!"

Jesus sits up and tells the storm to stop and it does..
Mark 4:35-41

A Peaceful Island

At the time of this writing, my husband Jim and I are on vacation. The beauty of creation is around us as we walk along the ocean.  It's low tide.  We head for the cove.  With the tide rolled out the danger of a rip current is gone, leaving a once treacherous cove free to pass and a peaceful island within reach. My soul is at rest.

As this time away comes to a close, my goal is to create daily vacations.  A time each day to envision the cares and worries of everyday life, rolling out with the tide and freeing me to cross over to a place of peace - a daily restoring of my soul.

My prayer for you, my friend, is that you will find Peace!

Note:  Are you looking to create moments of rest and relaxation in your life?  Check out one of my favorite authors, Kirk Byron Jones.
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