Monday, June 15th, 2009 "A Day on the Beach"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, June 15^th, 2009

Title: A Day on the Beach

Text: Psalm 139:17-18 (NIV)

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Here I am on Day 3 of my week-long family vacation to North Myrtle Beach, SC and we are having a great time. With the exception of a few afternoon thunderstorms and some brilliant lighting shows, we have had absolutely amazing weather. It has been nice and hot with the temperature in the low 90s and refreshing sea breeze. Perfect beach weather for June in the south.

As I sat on the beach this afternoon, lounged back in my chair, reading a book that I have been trying to finish for a few months, watching TK and Carson ride their boogie boards through the surf, Avery collecting seashells for grandma, and comfortably seated beside my wife, I was struck with something. A revelation if you will. Now, this is the certainly not the first time I had ever realized this, but for some reason it was almost as if God whispered in my ear, “Steve, do you realize how blessed you are?” I think it is so cool that those who call themselves “Christian” have such an intimate relationship with the Famous One that every once in a while God actually leans down and gives us a nudge.

As I continued to sit in that setting, surrounded by those I cherish more than anything else in the world, I began to compile my list of blessings in my head. I have a beautiful and supportive wife that is the best mom in the world and she just happens to be my best friend. I have amazing children who laugh with me and play with me and at least for now don’t think that I’m a total dork. I have the best job in the world in which I get to be a part of the lives of extraordinary young people as they search and stretch and grow in their own relationships with God, and then step into a world that they will certainly impact for the Kingdom. I have a great house, serve an amazing church, have friends that love me and support me and besides the fact I could stand to drop a few pounds, I’m a pretty healthy guy. Life is good. I know that sounds so cliché, but it is true. I have a great life. However, all of those blessings that I have had throughout my life, have today and will have in the future would be worthless without the unconditional love and amazing grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, as silly and common as it may sound, my life is not just good. It is amazing, and all praise, glory and thanks for the blessings I have must be given God.

So I guess when it comes down to it, today was more than just a day on the beach. Instead, it was a priceless day with my wife, my children and my God. Just doesn’t get any better than that. I wonder what Day 4 of this vacation will bring. Miniature Golf!

Something to Think About:

• Take a few minutes and write a list of your blessings. No rush. Take your time.
• When it is on paper does it appear that you’re more blessed than you may have thought?
• How does your relationship with God take those blessings to another level?
• What would your life be like without the presence of God in it?
• How can you live in such a way that it will enable others to realize they are extremely blessed?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I invite you to lean down and whisper in my ear whenever you’d like to help me realize, more often, how very blessed I am. I know that I have a priceless life. Please reveal in me all that you have done for me and stir in me a desire to truly cherish all that you have blessed me with. Even when life seems tough and the road I travel may be filled with pot-holes, I pray that I will feel your nudge, embrace your love and live in such a way that shines in a way that is pleasing to you and inspiring to others. Amen.