If only Life WERE a Beach...Minus the sand (of course)

Wednesday, Ella & I made the 4 hour drive to Charleston for a few days of play. My younger sister is graduating from her Masters program at the Citadel (Way to go Michelle). I am so proud of her! The ceremony isn't until Sunday afternoon, but there was no way I could pass up a couple extra days of fun in the sun. Kim (my older sister) and Harry left for a cruise to the Bahamas today, so Ella and I get the house to ourselves until Friday night when the rest of my family comes down.

So, back to the beach...I was laying on the beach today (Ella was napping) just thinking about how different it feels from the everyday grind. A great breeze, warm sun, the relaxation of listening to the waves breaking, the breathtaking beauty of it all. If only everyday life could be/feel like this! The only thing I would choose to lose is the sand, or at least it's annoying qualities (grit, stick-to-itiveness, etc.) My question...Why in the midst of all that beauty, relaxation, and soul comfort, would God use grit to top it off? Doesn't he realize that mothers of toddlers will be coming (mothers that really struggle with the feeling of sand)? Doesn't he know that those toddlers are going to dig themselves a hole, dive in head first, and come out saying "hold you Mommy"... a request no loving mother can possibly say "NO" to. Doesn't he know that Mommy is going to pick up the toddler, who feels like sandpaper, and rub herself raw as she proceeds toward the water to rinse them both off (an effort that goes very unappreciated by the toddler who often prefers sand to water). What was He thinking??

Seriously...we had a great time at the beach today, relaxed, played, jumped waves, began reading a new book (God's Favorite House by Tommy Tenney - so far, really good), ate lunch, napped, and more! Ella was fearless and loved the water and of course...the SAND. Me...water was great, sand - not so much! Really missed my hubby though and Ella talked about Daddy all day. Wish he were able to be here with us!

Have a great pic, but can't add it until I get home.