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“Difficult Choices”
Before moving to Longboat Key five years ago, I remember taking those week-long beach vacations with the family. Ten or twelve hours on the road were in front of me. I took one entire day just to prepare the vehicle, load the ice chests, and make sure that I had anything and everything that would be needed for the family. Making the choices of what to bring was always a difficult decision for me. But, in the end, the vehicle would be full of people and more clothes and gear than I could use in a month.
It’s in those moments that I was thankful to be such an accomplished player of the game, “Tetris”. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a computer game that was developed in the late 80’s that became the obsession of many young adults like myself. The object of the game was to fit colored-shaped blocks into a straight line, while the pieces fell from the sky, moving faster and faster. The best players could master the game with lightning reflexes, fitting the odd shapes and colors into their proper places.
I wasn’t an expert at the game, but I was good enough to become an expert truck packer preparing for the annual beach trip. Somehow, I could get it all in there, including the kitchen sink, just in case the beach rental didn’t have a working water source.
Boy, that was silly. Packing two different outfits for every day, just in case I needed to attend some fancy event. I didn’t realize that everyone who lives at the beach wears the same clothes at least three times before they throw their stuff into the washing machines. (A little deodorant spray goes a long way.)
When I look back now, I find it humorous remembering the stress I put upon myself preparing for those beach vacations. Really, the only thing anyone needs for a week-long beach vacation is about 3 sets of clothes, a toothbrush, and deodorant spray. Men, don’t bring a sports coat. Ladies, don’t bring high heels. Ya’ll don’t need them. Even at the most formal events, khakis and a summer dress are more than sufficient.
So, if you don’t live full-time at the beach, don’t worry too much about what to bring. We beach people are perfectly comfortable in slightly stale clothes and comfortable shoes. You’ll blend in by ignoring the difficult choices and focusing only on the mandatory items.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t buy sunblock before arriving at the beach. Everyone here sells sunblock, and the competition keeps the prices lower than wherever you live. Use the space in your vehicle for something else, like your refillable water bottle.
Life—and even faith—can start to feel like that overpacked vehicle. We fill it with so many extras, so many “just in case” choices, and we can forget what really matters. But following the LORD has always been about what is essential: Choosing to be active in faith.
Sure, we like the stuff. But try not to become consumed with what you bring. Instead, focus on bringing yourself to the LORD, each day. I think you'll discover that God is an expert at taking care of the details.
See you at the Chapel!
Brock
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