Sea Glass Retreat

 "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."  ~Luke 5:16

It's been an awfully long winter, hasn't it?  I've been so desperate to get back to my favorite sea glass beach on Lake Michigan for a little solitude and prayer, so after the days work and errands were completed, my husband and I gathered some of our children and made a trek down to the beach for a sea glass search.  Soon we had each scattered in separate directions all the while keeping our eyes peeled for the colorful gems.  I always think of a sea glass search as a form of prayer because with the exception of holy hours in church, scouring the shoreline for baubles from the lake is the only time I have any significant time to silently ponder the Lord and His wonders in my heart.  With the backdrop of an overcast sky, gentle waves brushing up against the shore and the distant squawk of sea gulls, I repeatedly bent over in a posture of awe and gratitude as I gathered the coveted pieces of softened glass that bring me a bit of material joy.  And soon my bag was filled with the vivid specks of discarded bottles and my heart was filled with thankfulness to God for the much needed retreat.  O spring, how welcome you are and how I thank God for the changing of seasons and His beauteous gifts of family and nature!