Quieting My Soul
I n Hawaiian, ohana means family. This week, I got to enjoy ohana in Maui with our oldest daughter, her husband, and my 14-month-old grand baby. Sweet to be sure! We've taken in blue skies, sandy beaches, sunsets, rainbows, a petting zoo, under water sea life, sitting in the shade under the giant banyan tree, and great food. Lots and lots of food! Don's favorite has been Local Boys Shave Ice. Well, I'm not sure that shave ice qualifies as food. But we've had it three times! My favorite has been the opportunity to just slow down and take in the beauty around me. The birds' songs, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, the sand in my toes, the breeze softly brushing the palm trees, so soothing and relaxing. For a moment, all my cares are gone. My word this year is QUIET. Maui has definitely nurtured that. "I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:2)