I was all done with this week’s post until I did one of my favorite things yesterday evening. I went to the beach to relax after a stressful day and got to watch the glorious sunset.

No matter how many times I chastise myself for taking another picture of a sunset, I ignore the thought and proceed. No two sunsets are the same. When combined with atmospheric conditions, the color palettes are amazingly different and can produce the most incredible tapestry.

In between the clicks of capturing the beauty on the horizon, I found myself uttering words of thanks to God.

I live in a beautiful part of the world, and when I left behind the harsh winters of the northeast and made this city in Florida my home, I promised the Lord I would always cherish this gift from him.

You see, this city is on the coast and offers up some very lovely beaches. Choosing a location for home was always dependent on the distance to and from the beach. I am, after all, an island girl who loves nature. In the post titled Stillness, that love is vividly expressed.

Going to the beach is perhaps my all-time favorite thing to do. Next to that would be reading, cooking, and entertaining.

Instead of just taking still photos yesterday, I thought it would be nice to capture the actual sunset on video. Basking in the moment, I thought of friends and loved ones who were missing out on such a simple pleasure because of the inability to travel during this time. In particular, I thought of my three fellow beach bums—my children.

My children love the beach as much as I do, and I am grateful for the memories we created over the years.

I have my grandmother to thank for making a beach lover out of me. She is the one who loaded my cousins and me in cars during the summer for beach picnics—what a wonderful treat! I am grateful for those memories she afforded me.

I’ve decided to share the video in this week’s post, not to show off as my friends in Maryland would tease, but genuinely and sincerely, to extend this gift to those of you, who like me, appreciate the majesty of the moment.

Are you into sunsets? If you are, what is your ritual? Some pray, cheer, raise a glass, or share a kiss with those around.

Whatever it is, as you watch the video, imagine you were right there on a beach, any beach, with a nice breeze and the tingle of anticipation. Whether you were taking in this moment alone or with others, think of the value of such a blessing.

Think of the works of the Creator and how much love He poured into this beautiful universe.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
³ His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
⁴ He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
PSALM 111:2-4

I hope I get the pleasure of turning my three grandchildren into beach bums. Nothing would give me more joy than to enjoy the beach, any beach, anywhere in the world, with all of us together.

I will hold on to my hope in a God who knows the desires of my heart.

In the meantime, I will continue to savor every simple pleasure I am fortunate enough to be provided—taking nothing for granted, and in all things, giving thanks.

Cheryl David shares inspirational articles through her Brown Bread for the Soul blogs on WordPress. Have something to share? Leave a comment on the blog site, or send an email to bbftsoul@gmail.com.

Image courtesy of Snapwire.