The Church balcony looked a little empty Sunday. A number of folks, including yours truly, were worshipping at the beach. The Pathfinders Sunday School Class took off this week-end for their annual Memorial week-end trip to Caswell Beach. As newcomers to this group, Betsy and I were forewarned of the following: “There will be no meetings, no programs, and no required anything!” Indeed, the promise was fulfilled. Even though Betsy and I were there for just two days, it was a retreat worth the time and travel.
We enjoyed the good food, the times of fellowship with the other class members, and the most beautiful weather one could hope for. We did not find our way to a worship service, but worship found us. On Sunday morning, the gulls called us to worship, the waves spoke the message of eternity, the skies and clouds lifted our heads to hope. As the sun approached noon and the temperatures soared, we retreated to the shade of the live oaks and were reminded of the words of the Psalmist, “…The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.”
In our walks around Caswell (N.C Baptist Assembly grounds), Betsy and I shared memories of decades past and times there with our children, friends, and even college friends “back when.” We remembered God’s goodness to us throughout our lives.
I have to admit that I am tempted to miss Church every Sunday and go worship at some scenic outdoor spot , but realize that I need to listen to the community at worship together as much as sounds of nature I experienced this week-end.
We returned to Raleigh and the routine grateful for a time of rest, replenishment, and inspiration at Caswell. I suppose you can say we experienced the true essence of “Sabbath”! Sometimes, I suppose, one needs to leave the balcony and greet the beach.
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